Christian Sam not focused on NFL despite building interest
Nov 2, 2017, 3:30 PM
Arizona State linebacker Christian Sam (2) carries the ball after an interception against Utah in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Amid Arizona State’s roller coaster ride of a season, junior linebacker Christian Sam has been a steady presence in the middle of the Sun Devil defense.
Sam is currently enjoying a productive bounce-back campaign after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in last year’s season opener against Northern Arizona. Through eight games, he leads the Pac-12 in tackles (83 total tackles; 55 solo, 28 assisted) and is the only player in the conference averaging over 10 tackles per game (10.4).
Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, who shares a self-described love-hate relationship with Sam, said the defender has been consistent and has a strong grasp of the first-year assistant’s scheme.
“He’s definitely an NFL guy,” Bennett said of Sam. “I mean, he’s a guy that — he’s playing with speed, he’s playing with physicality. He does multiple skills; he stops the run, he tackles well, he blitzes and he covers.”
The NFL has apparently taken notice of the athletic 6-foot-1, 220-pounder’s potential. A pair of scouts were present at Wednesday’s practice, and Bennett said he spoke to one who offered a favorable assessment of Sam.
“I talk to one of the guys (scouts) today, and he just came up to me and says, ‘Man, (No.) 2 is playing,’” Bennett said. “And he has. Been very proud of him.”
Despite increasing intrigue from the NFL, with a year of eligibility remaining, Sam said Wednesday that he hasn’t really considered making the jump to just yet.
“It’s my goal, it’s my dream, but I don’t really think about that,” Sam said.
“The team success, that helps that; that helps that whole process. So if we’re doing good, then that’s going to bring more spotlight for all of us, and that’s something that’s big.”
With the Sun Devils set to lose five current defensive starters to graduation after the season’s conclusion, Sam’s potential return would likely be welcomed news.
This story appears on ArizonaSports.com courtesy of a partnership with SunDevilSource.com, part of the Scout Network and home for the most detailed information on Arizona State football.
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