Oklahoma State commit Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) is considered one of the top wide receivers in Texas. Last Friday was a chance for fans to see Samples’ versatility as he lined up as a defensive back in Skyline’s 56-24 win against Dallas Jesuit.
As a receiver, Samples caught three passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns, one of those a 90-yard play. As a defender, however, Samples was asked to be an extra defensive back in an effort to slow down Jesuit’s passing offense. Samples was on watch when 2014 Texas A&M commit and ESPN Watch List cornerback Cedric Collins left the game because of illness, and he was given the task to defend Jesuit’s Jake Oliver, an ESPN 300 receiver and Texas commit.
“I was going to play DB the whole time. We had been practicing it,” Samples said. “I just had to cover Jake because Ced got sick. Nobody lost their job. Jesuit passes a lot, so I was going to come in a nickel or in case they were trying to take advantage of another DB.”
Samples’ play as a defensive back isn’t anything new for Skyline. He played in the secondary during last year’s Texas Class 5A Division I state semifinal against Southlake (Texas) Carroll, where he was assigned to cover Sabian Holmes, who now is at Texas A&M. Before that, he was lined up against Blake Webb -- who now is at Oklahoma State – in Skyline’s state-quarterfinal win against The Woodlands, Texas.
Samples said he’s quite comfortable in the secondary, but there’s no better feeling of satisfaction than helping his team make plays on the offensive side of the ball. Currently, Samples has 18 receptions for 361 yards and eight touchdowns, all team-highs. Samples recorded 65 catches for 1,369 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.
“I feel like I’m athletic enough to make plays anywhere on the field,” Samples said, “but I’m a receiver, so that’s what I’m planning on doing at OSU.”
Will Skyline followers see the 5-foot-10, 170-pound receiver in the secondary again this year?
“Most likely,” he said.