Name: Sam Markham
School: Central College
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 175
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
Individually, I really wanted to focus on being more of a vocal leader and positive influence for the team. I am much more comfortable going about my business without much a voice by just focusing on doing my job to the best of my ability and staying in the background, but this year I really tried to step out of my comfort zone and lead not only by example, but be seen by younger teammates as someone to look to for guidance. Lastly, I wanted to do whatever necessary to help Central stay competitive within the IIAC and compete for a championship.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Smooth, Deceptive, Blue Collar.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I am living in Omaha, NE training at the Omaha Sports Complex working on speed, agility, route running, and strength training at Creighton University.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
I watch a lot of pre-snap clips and look at the Outside Linebackers, Safeties, and Corners which help me distinguish what coverages teams will be playing. This allows me to make a pre-snap read, adjust my alignment based on the coverage they will be playing, how it will affect the route I am running, and the necessary adjustments I will need to make. I also like watching the Corners and becoming familiar with their style of play; things such as their footwork and how they react when the ball is in the air. I spend a lot of time watching how they attack certain routes and if they will be susceptible to double moves. As best as you can from watching film, I try and get a feel for the best way to put them in situations and positions they don’t necessarily feel comfortable in.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I feel like I am a product of a blue collar program. I am someone who knows how to work hard, and will do the dirty work and little things that are necessary to get the job done. I also feel like my attention to detail in my route running and ability to read coverages allows me to find green space and be a reliable target.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I have the ability to learn a playbook quickly, play both inside and outside at the Receiver position, and I am a faith driven individual who will represent teams positively and respectfully both on and off the field.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I am not going to wow you with my stature, in fact, I might be written off because of it, but I am an incredibly hard and competitive worker. Like most small school guys, I have been overlooked most of my life, but given an opportunity, I believe I could present a reliable target both on the inside and outside and will never step onto a field without giving maximum effort.
