Name: Brett Samson
School: University of South Dakota
Position: TE/FB/H-Back
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 245

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

Becoming a team captain was a goal I had for a long time, and I was able to accomplish that before the season started. Honorable mention all Missouri valley tight end. Durability is something I pride myself on, and being able to start and play in the duration of every game this season is an accomplishment of its own.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I believe this extra year provided me with the true knowledge of the game of football. Every year you get older, you get wiser. That’s the same on the football field. This extra year helped me better understand the wide variety of defenses we see on a weekly basis in the Missouri valley. Understanding these defenses were a big key to the success I’ve had with running after the catch.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I’m the guy that brings energy on a day to day basis. When you need to get fired up and going, chances are that you are coming to me to get going. My teammates would say I have a fearless mentality that is willing to do anything to win.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

Watching film is a big part of maximizing your potential as a football player. One thing I look for on film to make me a better player, is my footwork on every rep. Another thing is defenders tendencies they like to use. And lastly, hand placement/ hat location on every block.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from others at my position is being able to move the way I can at my size. My ability to play on any special teams unit separates me from other tight ends that can’t. And lastly, I have a mentality on every play, and that mentality is to win my battle 100% of the time. I don’t think it is safe to say that everyone believes that on every play.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My offseason plan is to train with coach Matt Gifford who excels in everything about sprinting. He has coached and prepped many professional athletes and I have all the trust in the world in his program. He is going to put me in the best position possible for me to succeed with my professional endeavors throughout this offseason.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

One of my greatest strengths that I will bring to a team is my ability to block in space and on the edge. Quick screens and flat routes are used quite a bit and being able to block on the perimeter is a big help. Off the field I bring a positive energy and can get along with anyone. I’m a teammate that can be caught catching up with anybody on the team. I take the brotherhoods you build with a team very seriously.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

My final pitch to any professional team would be, take a chance. I can do a variety of things on a football field, weather that be catching a ball, taking a handoff, blocking through the whistle, or making a tackle on special teams. Football is one thing that I understand to the core, and with my talents I’m sure I can play at the next level, as I’ve played against many professional players.