'19 IN RB Sampson James (Indiana Verbal)

[BobbyMac]

Running Back
Avon, IN
Avon HS

Measurements:
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210

Rankings:
247 Comp: ..... 4* ..... #18 RB ..... #230 OA ..... .9177 rating
247: ............... 3* ..... #22 RB ..... #311 OA ...... 89
Rivals: ............ 4* ..... #7 RB ....... #137 OA ...... 5.8
ESPN: ............. NR

Offers:
Notre Dame
Cincy
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
MSU
Minnesota
OSU
Purdue

Media Links:

Twitter = @Sjames_2

Highlights:

<iframe src='//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6027573/5a1e4418041e4812b873b919' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[BobbyMac]

Visiting for Junior Day. Performed well at Irish Invasion last summer.

Jr stats:

13 G ... 243 car ... 1782 yds ... 7.3 ypc ... 20 TD ... 16 rec ... 182 yds ... 2 TD ... 7 2pt Conv

Would make a great tandem with Chez Mellusi

OSU is thought to lead.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great camp and visit this weekend at Norte Dame thanks to coach <a href="https://twitter.com/autrydenson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@autrydenson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IrishInvasion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IrishInvasion</a>☘️&#55356;&#57288; <a href="https://t.co/rKL4xPZmVk">pic.twitter.com/rKL4xPZmVk</a></p>— Sampson (@Sjames_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sjames_2/status/874034698908966912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[ab2cmiller]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> offers 2019 RB Sampson James. <a href="https://t.co/qFsmE35Ubv">https://t.co/qFsmE35Ubv</a></p>— Kevin Sinclair (@KevinSinclair_) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinSinclair_/status/957425463424516096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Truly blessed to receive an offer from The University of Notre Dame today thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBrianKelly</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/autrydenson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@autrydenson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoIrish</a>☘️&#55356;&#57288;&#55357;&#56384; <a href="https://t.co/VMszhxKsVW">pic.twitter.com/VMszhxKsVW</a></p>— Sampson (@Sjames_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sjames_2/status/957425196260057088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[AllGoldEverything]

Whoa...Pretty damn good speed. I like!

 

[BobbyMac]

Good Freebie from 247:

https://247sports.com/college/notre...s-talks-Notre-Dame-offer-Junior-Day-114316992

 

[BobbyMac]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Feeling these Uniforms&#55357;&#56613;&#55357;&#56384; <a href="https://t.co/vJtxJEff0L">pic.twitter.com/vJtxJEff0L</a></p>— Sampson (@Sjames_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sjames_2/status/957709718763507712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[arrowryan]

Hits the hole much harder than Markese Stepp and I like Sampson a lot more.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

Hits the hole much harder than Markese Stepp and I like Sampson a lot more.

Definitely agree. Kid has a great burst. Really hope we land him.

 

[BobbyMac]

Wow.

So Sampson James comes from a football family. lol

His four older brothers all went on to DI football.

His brother Matthew James is a 6-3/300 Freshman DT at Indiana St.

His brother Armonze Daniel was 4 year, 6-4/245 OLB/DE at Marshall

Now it gets freaky...

His brother Elijah Daniel is that Elijah Daniel. The 5*, DE/DT (6-2/280) who went to Auburn for 2 seasons, got booted, went to Murray St for a year then declared for the draft, went undrafted and disappeared.

His brother Montez Robinson is that Montez Robinson. The 4*, 6-5/240 DE that got in all kinds of trouble his freshman year in Athens and disappeared.

How's that even possible?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Are we sure his first name is not James and his last name is not Sampson?

 

[beryirish]

Wow.

So Sampson James comes from a football family. lol

His four older brothers all went on to DI football.

His brother Matthew James is a 6-3/300 Freshman DT at Indiana St.

His brother Armonze Daniel was 4 year, 6-4/245 OLB/DE at Marshall

Now it gets freaky...

His brother Elijah Daniel is that Elijah Daniel. The 5*, DE/DT (6-2/280) who went to Auburn for 2 seasons, got booted, went to Murray St for a year then declared for the draft, went undrafted and disappeared.

His brother Montez Robinson is that Montez Robinson. The 4*, 6-5/240 DE that got in all kinds of trouble his freshman year in Athens and disappeared.

How's that even possible?

James
James
Daniel
Daniel
Robinson

Nice assortment.

 

[BobbyMac]

Freebie update from 247 in the tweet:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Avon (Ind.) High Top247 RB Sampson James added a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PennState?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PennState</a> offer tonight. Talked <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Buckeyes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Buckeyes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IUFB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IUFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Purdue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Purdue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Michigan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Michigan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> earlier today: <a href="https://t.co/2LsuYPFuKo">https://t.co/2LsuYPFuKo</a></p>— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) <a href="https://twitter.com/SWiltfong247/status/965786067201904640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

The predictors aren't great for him to end up Irish but maybe ND would be just what he needs (and what we need).

 

[ab2cmiller]

Wiltfong was on Bucknuts Morning 5 yesterday and said pOSU is making him a priority and they view him as defnitely in the top 3 RB's they've offered and every bit the equal of the other two (Trey Sanders and Noah Cain).

pOSU visited him every week during the month of January.

Wiltfong thinks pOSU leads and thinks it will likely come down to pOSU, Michigan and Notre Dame.

Side note:
Wiltfong talked about the freak athletes the entire family has. His younger brother Nathaniel is in the 20' class. He's 6'0" 250 pounds plays DE/DT and is ultra quick.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Avon (Ind.) High 2020 DL Nathaniel James ran 4.7 at Best of the Midwest Combine. Also strongest player in his high school program. 650 squat, bench 360, clean 315. <a href="https://t.co/YqL3BdPFcB">https://t.co/YqL3BdPFcB</a> <a href="https://t.co/rgIDzyZZO7">pic.twitter.com/rgIDzyZZO7</a></p>— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) <a href="https://twitter.com/SWiltfong247/status/965608254872178688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NDMIA]

.9831 4* Jaelen Gill
.9791 4* JK Dobbins
.9767 4* Demario McCall
.9607 4* Brian Snead
.9286 4* Antonio Williams
.9132 4* Master Teague

and for 2019

.9962 5* Trey Sanders
.9827 4* Noah Cain
.9664 5* Devyn Ford
.9430 4* Sampson James

Since Tony Alford has arrived at Ohio State, this is who he has reeled into the Running back room. And the list lower is his top targets for the 2019 class. I mean come on. That's cheating! Absolute ridiculousness their recruiting at that position right now.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

James looks like an absolute monster, would love to get his commitment but I won't hold my breath.

 

[OCIrish]

Yes, it's unfortunate that their offense is crap.....sure, they have best teams they should, but I don't view them as being to hang with Clemson or Bama.....or UGA, and if Hairball gets his head out of his ass, Urbie is gonna start losing to Meatchicken

 

[longliveautrydenson]

.9831 4* Jaelen Gill
.9791 4* JK Dobbins
.9767 4* Demario McCall
.9607 4* Brian Snead
.9286 4* Antonio Williams
.9132 4* Master Teague

and for 2019

.9962 5* Trey Sanders
.9827 4* Noah Cain
.9664 5* Devyn Ford
.9430 4* Sampson James

Since Tony Alford has arrived at Ohio State, this is who he has reeled into the Running back room. And the list lower is his top targets for the 2019 class. I mean come on. That's cheating! Absolute ridiculousness their recruiting at that position right now.

Autry Denson is my favorite ND player of all time, but he’s so far left a lot to be desired as a recruiter. We’ve put together some of the best O-lines in the country over the last several years. We should be able to take our pick of 4* RBs, instead we’re scrounging around trying to pick off GT commits on NSD. I’m not saying Jaimir Smith and C’Bo won’t be solid players at ND, but we should be landing a bona fide stud at least every other cycle. There’s no more excuses after this season.

 

[brewdog_14527]

Autry Denson is my favorite ND player of all time, but he’s so far left a lot to be desired as a recruiter. We’ve put together some of the best O-lines in the country over the last several years. We should be able to take our pick of 4* RBs, instead we’re scrounging around trying to pick off GT commits on NSD. I’m not saying Jaimir Smith and C’Bo won’t be solid players at ND, but we should be landing a bona fide stud at least every other cycle. There’s no more excuses after this season.

Maybe. But doesn't the "4 for 40" selling point get lost on a 5 star running back who, as a high school senior, believes that he is 3 years and out the door? It is not like OSU or Bama can't bring in O-Lines.

 

[longliveautrydenson]

Maybe. But doesn't the "4 for 40" selling point get lost on a 5 star running back who, as a high school senior, believes that he is 3 years and out the door? It is not like OSU or Bama can't bring in O-Lines.

1. You can early enroll and graduate in 3 years.

2. RBs have a short shelf-life in the NFL and should value education more than anyone.

3. We’ve made similar arguments about DT, DB, WR, OLB, etc. in the past and it turns out it’s not impossible to recruit those players at a high level with the right people selling it.

4. Tony Alford recruited multiple 4 and 5 star RBs to ND when our O-Line U reputation was not as well established.

There should be no more excuses. We need to land two mid to high 4* RBs this year or we need to do some re-evaluation.

 

[Luckylucci]

Autry Denson is my favorite ND player of all time, but he’s so far left a lot to be desired as a recruiter. We’ve put together some of the best O-lines in the country over the last several years. We should be able to take our pick of 4* RBs, instead we’re scrounging around trying to pick off GT commits on NSD. I’m not saying Jaimir Smith and C’Bo won’t be solid players at ND, but we should be landing a bona fide stud at least every other cycle. There’s no more excuses after this season.

What? He's been a pretty darn good recruiter. You realize he handles A LOT more than just RB recruiting, right?

Also, if anything, this should be a HUGE feather in his cap. 1.) C'bo is a pretty good talent out of talent rich state. Got some Georgia HS honors for his Senior season. The fact that Denson was able to come in last minute and build that relationship is a huge testament to his recruiting efforts. 2.) The reason we were in that position had absolutely nothing to do with him. Stepp didn't handle is off the field work and Mcintosh/Holmes are knuckle heads.

•2017 Georgia Sports Writers Association Football Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year
•2017 Georgia Sports Writers Association Football Class AAA First Team All-State
•Named to 2017 USA Today American Family Insurance All-USA Georgia Football Second Team

 

[Wingman Ray]

What? He's been a pretty darn good recruiter. You realize he handles A LOT more than just RB recruiting, right?

Also, if anything, this should be a HUGE feather in his cap. 1.) C'bo is a pretty good talent out of talent rich state. Got some Georgia HS honors for his Senior season. The fact that Denson was able to come in last minute and build that relationship is a huge testament to his recruiting efforts. 2.) The reason we were in that position had absolutely nothing to do with him. Stepp didn't handle is off the field work and Mcintosh/Holmes are knuckle heads.

•2017 Georgia Sports Writers Association Football Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year
•2017 Georgia Sports Writers Association Football Class AAA First Team All-State
•Named to 2017 USA Today American Family Insurance All-USA Georgia Football Second Team

Not to mention I would take a GA HS player over an IN HS player any day of the week

 

[Irish2155]

Autry Denson is my favorite ND player of all time, but he’s so far left a lot to be desired as a recruiter. We’ve put together some of the best O-lines in the country over the last several years. We should be able to take our pick of 4* RBs, instead we’re scrounging around trying to pick off GT commits on NSD. I’m not saying Jaimir Smith and C’Bo won’t be solid players at ND, but we should be landing a bona fide stud at least every other cycle. There’s no more excuses after this season.

We had a bona fide stud not too far from Avon last year but let him slip away to USC (of all places)...I hear what your saying. But it is a long way from signing day '19 so lets see how it plays out.

BTW, I saw Stepp live last year in Sectionals, wasn't all that impressed for what it is worth.

 

[longliveautrydenson]

What? He's been a pretty darn good recruiter. You realize he handles A LOT more than just RB recruiting, right?

Also, if anything, this should be a HUGE feather in his cap. 1.) C'bo is a pretty good talent out of talent rich state. Got some Georgia HS honors for his Senior season. The fact that Denson was able to come in last minute and build that relationship is a huge testament to his recruiting efforts. 2.) The reason we were in that position had absolutely nothing to do with him. Stepp didn't handle is off the field work and Mcintosh/Holmes are knuckle heads.

•2017 Georgia Sports Writers Association Football Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year
•2017 Georgia Sports Writers Association Football Class AAA First Team All-State
•Named to 2017 USA Today American Family Insurance All-USA Georgia Football Second Team

I’m sorry but in three years his highest-rated RB recruit is C.J. Holmes who was a composite 0.90. Markese Stepp was a 0.89. We can and have done much better in recent years at the RB position. And we can blame the McIntosh/Holmes situation on them being knuckleheads, but I sincerely doubt BK kicks them off the team if they were legit stars. Finally, Denson’s only competition for Flemister was a floundering Tennessee program with a new HC. I just don’t see that as some sort of crowning achievement.

 

[Luckylucci]

I’m sorry but in three years his highest-rated RB recruit is C.J. Holmes who was a composite 0.90. Markese Stepp was a 0.89. We can and have done much better in recent years at the RB position. And we can blame the McIntosh/Holmes situation on them being knuckleheads, but I sincerely doubt BK kicks them off the team if they were legit stars. Finally, Denson’s only competition for Flemister was a floundering Tennessee program with a new HC. I just don’t see that as some sort of crowning achievement.

So, again, you do realize he recruits more than just RB’s, right?

 

[Luckylucci]

Ex. He brought in arguably the best WR recruit of the BK era. But who cares about facts, we need 5 star RB’s or he SUCKS.

 

[longliveautrydenson]

So, again, you do realize he recruits more than just RB’s, right?

I fail to see your point. He has been largely underwhelming recruiting the position he is directly responsible for coaching.

Ex. He brought in arguably the best WR recruit of the BK era. But who cares about facts, we need 5 star RB’s or he SUCKS.

I didn’t say I expect him to land 5 stars consistently or at all. But when the top recruit at your position is a borderline 4 star over the course of three seasons, it should be cause for concern. Especially when you could sell early PT and playing with the best O-line in the country. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have higher expectations, although I understand you’re trying to mischaracterize my point to bolster your argument.

 

[fightingirish26]

Gotta love longliveautrydenson coming in with the autry denson criticism

 

[Luckylucci]

I fail to see your point. He has been largely underwhelming recruiting the position he is directly responsible for coaching.

Haha, it’s not that difficult but that’s my que.

 

[Irish Man3]

We had a bona fide stud not too far from Avon last year but let him slip away to USC (of all places)...I hear what your saying. But it is a long way from signing day '19 so lets see how it plays out.

BTW, I saw Stepp live last year in Sectionals, wasn't all that impressed for what it is worth.

Let him slip away = he didn't qualify for ND. Had nothing to do with Denson.