NFL OVERVIEW Brother, Jaylen, played cornerback at Florida (2010-13). Sammy was an elite recruit out of Florida, where he also won the AA state title in the 200 meters and finished second in the 100 meters. In 2011, was just the fourth first-year freshman in NCAA history to garner AP first-team All-America recognition, joining Herschel Walker, Marshall Faulk and Adrian Peterson -- started 10-of-13 games and produced 82 receptions for 1,219 yards (14.9-yard average) and 12 touchdowns. Hurt his right shoulder against Wake Forest and sat out against North Carolina State. In May '12 was charged with two counts of misdemeanor possession when he was pulled over and found to have marijuana and pills he didn't have a prescription for (expunged upon completion of pre-trial intervention). In the fall, served a two-game suspension before starting 7-of-10 games played and managing 57-708-3 (12.4) opposite Texans '13 first-rounder DeAndre Hopkins. Did not play against Boston College (abdominal virus) and was knocked out of the Chick-fil-A Bowl against LSU on the second play (right ankle). Started 12-of-13 games in '13, racking up 101-1,464-12 (14.5), including 16-227-2 against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl. For his career, also returned 60 kickoffs for 1,376 yards (22.9), including a score, and returned punts 9-23 (2.6). Added 52 rushes for 339 yards (5.3) and a touchdown. Owns 23 Clemson records, including career receptions (240), receiving yards (3,391) and touchdowns (27, tied with Hopkins).
ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Exceptional football playing speed -- can flat out fly and take the top off a defense. Has world-class track speed. Extends outside his frame and plucks the ball. Outstanding body control and agility. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder and is a natural hands-catcher who can make an average quarterback look good. Consistently turns 2-yard gains into 15-yard chunks -- possesses big-time playmaking ability and is very effective creating in the open field on bubble screens and quick-hitting short/lateral tosses. Superb run-after-the-catch ability. Good burst out of his cuts to separate. Has game-breaking return ability and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Has a strong support structure (mother moved to Clemson following Wakins' 2012 drug arrest and he has steered clear of any trouble). Will be a 21-year-old rookie. WEAKNESSES Production results heavily from a gimmicky offense. Routes could use some more polish. Does not consistently work the middle of the field. Could improve field awareness. Is still immature and could require some time to acclimate to an NFL playbook. Could stand to improve ball security and do a better job fielding punts. DRAFT PROJECTION Round 1 (top 10) BOTTOM LINE A legitimate No. 1-caliber receiver who stepped onto the field as a true freshman and made an immediate, game-changing impact. Was slowed by injuries as a sophomore, but responded with a strong junior season and capped his career as one of the most impactful receivers in school history. Has rare speed, soft hands and the big-play ability to challenge NFL defensive backs as a rookie. -Nolan Nawrocki
Is IMPACTFUL really a word? I guess it is if one wants it..
May 9, 2014, 9:29 AM
to be, but it sounds stupid. Just my two cents worth. No question Sammy's impact on the field was tremendous, and I think he will continue that at Buffalo if they have somebody who can get the ball to him. Go CJ and Sammy!