Andre Sam, SAF, LSU
Size:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 199 pounds
Arm Length: 30”
Hand Size: 9 1/4"
Accomplishments:
First Team All-Southland Conference (2021, 2020)
“Andre Sam has the tools to contribute as a safety in two-high schemes, where he can effectively play deep halves or roll down in different coverages to contribute in run support.”
Strengths:
High motor/effort
Alignment-versatile
Willing contributor in the run game
Special teams value
Concerns:
Foot speed to carry receivers vertical
Scheme specific
Efficiency tackling
Film Analysis:
Andre Sam is a Marshall transfer who originally started his career on the FCS level at McNeese State. Sam transferred to LSU for the 2023 season and was a positive presence at the safety position for the LSU defense. Sam was an every-game starter for LSU and finished the 2023 season as the leader in interceptions (3).
At LSU, Sam appeared to be most effective in two-high shell situations where he can cover hash to sideline and also roll down as a SS to be a reliable run support defender.
In pass coverage, Sam appears to have above-average ball tracking and instincts to get to the football and make a play. Sam is best in zones where he can get eyes on the quarterback, read route combinations, and anticipate where the quarterback may go with the football. Sam has the fluid hips to turn and run to make an effort to stay over top of receivers to attempt to make a play on the football.
Sam is an alignment-versatile player who rolls down from the deep safety position to the strong safety or nickel position to play short-to-intermediate routes. The biggest concern for Sam in pass coverage is his foot speed to run vertically with receivers. This lack of speed also shows in his ability to consistently play man-to-man as receivers can get separation at times and uncover from Sam.
As a run defender, the positive is that Sam is a high-effort and willing defender. For the 2023 season, he was near the top of the defense in tackles, showing his willingness to insert himself in the run game. Sam uses his natural instincts to read and diagnose the play and pull his trigger downhill to get to the ball-carrier and make contact in an effort to tackle them.
The improvements needed for Sam as a run defender are his efficiency and technique. Sam's effort puts him in position to make tackles, but his technique will result in him whiffing on tackles and allowing the ball carrier to continue to pick up yardage.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Alabama (2023), Florida State (2023), Ole Miss (2023)
