The Journey of 2014 OLB/DE Sam Blue

[RALEIGH] - Ask an area coach is who is the best player they faced all season, and the popular pick is Sam Blue.  Named to the 2013 American Family Insurance All-USA North Carolina All-State Team, Blue wrecked havoc all over the field as a senior breaking a North Carolina state record with 19 sacks.  He also managed to record 118 solo tackles, 52 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, six strips, five fumble recoveries, two defensive touchdowns, and one interception.   All the while, Blue earned a 3.72 GPA at Millbrook High School and was named to the National Honor Society.

GAINRecruiting.com shares the journey of Sam Blue in his own words culminating his signed letter of intent to join the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights.

THE BEGINNING

"I started playing football in 8th grade. I played defensive end at West Millbrook Middle School.  We went 2-7 and I hated losing. When I started at Millbrook High School, I started at TE on junior varsity and we finished 9-2 and JV Conference Champs. I moved to varsity at TE as a sophomore, our team went 6-6, and I played with running back Keith Marshall, who signed with Georgia. My junior year, I moved to defensive side of the ball blitzing off the edge at either OLB or DE. We went 3-8 as our team had to suffer through 19 injured players.  My coaches utilized my versatility a lot more during my senior year. I dropped in coverage, put my hand on the ground, played nose, 3-technique, as well as defensive end. We went 10-4, and lost in 3rd round of state playoffs in four overtimes."

SACKS

"One of my coaches, Jermicus Banks, played at North Carolina and taught me a lot of great pass moves.   He taught me the keys on how to react to offensive lineman.  My best attributes are I play relentless, have a great swim move, and a great spin move."

RECRUITING

"As a junior, I was 6'1, 215-pounds. I grew to 6'2.5, 225-pounds before my senior year.  I can play linebacker or rush end.  I put on a lot of muscle keeping my explosiveness to make me a stronger overall player going into my senior year."

"The recruiting process started going into my junior year.  I heard from Elon, first.  They invited me to campus a couple times. After my junior year, I heard from Elon, Furman, Western Carolina, Applachain State, Towson, Villanova, and James Madison."

"Georgetown started recruiting me during my senior season. They visited me at school a couple times, called me a few times. Heard from a lot of people it's a great academic school that provides a lot of opportunities. They offered me an academic full scholarship and invited me to take an official visit. I had a great time at Georgetown and had a great feel there. I meshed well with the city, the coaches, with the school. You're in the middle of everything. 

"I committed later in the week on the Thursday following my visit. I was feeling great about my decision. I was pretty excited."

"The week leading up to my Georgetown official visit, I heard from Coach Browning at Rutgers. He called me first and then I was in contact Coach (Jim) Panagos who came to Raleigh to schedule an in-home visit  after visiting my high school. I knew Rutgers was a bigger football program and I would be playing with bigger exposure opportunities. I was excited for the opportunity."

"I heard from Coach Panagos on the Wednesday leading into my official visit weekend, and he said they need to wait through the weekend to determine if they could offer a scholarship. While I was there for my official visit, we talked schemes, and I feel pretty good I am a good fit at the rush end position where they are recruiting me in their 3-4 defense. They project me to play at 265-to-270-pounds. I met with Coach Flood and talked with him about the weekend. He told me he was extending me an official offer to become a official Scarlet Knight. I had already spoke with my parents, and once I received the offer, that is when I committed."

CLOSING

"I really plan on going to Rutgers to be an impact player and make a big impact on the team. I am going to be hard worker with determination to develop into the best player I can be. I am planning to major in forensic science or perhaps civil engineering. Not totally sure yet. I am excited for the opportunity I have at Rutgers University."

Get to Know 2014 Punter Bryan Kirshe

   

[SARASOTA] - Named to the 2013 ALL-USA Florida All-State Team presented by American Family Insurance, Bryan Kirshe remains one of the best uncommitted punters/kickers in the country. Also named First Team All-American by ProKicker, Kirshe was a three-year starter at Out-of Door Academy (Sarasota, FL).   He excelled as a senior in 2013 with 56 punts averaging 49.5 yards per punt and a 4.7 hang time; 34 of which landed inside the 20.

Kirshe has also been named to the AP Class 3A All-State First Team and was named the top punter in his area by the Bradenton Herald. This past summer, Kirshe won  the Nick Saban Punting Competition at the University of Alabama.

"My plan is to win the Ray Guy Award in college," Kirshe commented.  "I want to average over 45 yards per punt and consistently hit a 5.3 hang time.  My goal is to advance and play in the NFL."

"Right now, I am planning to major in Sports Management in college."

Kirshe does not have the typical athletic background for a punter.   Hockey was one of the first sports he participated in and excelled.

"I started playing hockey in the third grade," said Kirshe, who moved from Boston to Sarasota during that time.  "I was a forward and played through my freshman year of high school.  I typically was in first or second on the team in goals scored and assists."

"I was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning AAA 96' team when we won the national championship in Ontario.   I also was a member of the 96' Team USA vs Team Canada game."

Currently, Kirshe is in regular communication with college coaches while also improving his craft.   His mentors include former 3-time Ray Guy semi-finalist Vinnie Burns and former Syracuse and UMass punter Jimmy Maguire.

"I began punting as a sophomore, and have made great improvement since that time," Kirshe said.

"I would say my consistency with my drop is the biggest area and I am always dropping a ball even while I am at my house.  I brought my strike point up closer to my knee away from my shin and it improved my hang time considerably.   Then, with physical maturity and strength, I have gained a lot more leg power."

"I also continue the stretching routine I learned from Coach Burns on a daily basis and have seen great benefit from that.   On the days I am not kicking, I go through a workout focused on my core strength and activation," Kirshe remarked.

Kirshe is comfortably punting and kicking in college.   His brother, Sean, handled kicking duties through Bryan's junior's season.   As a senior, Kirshe sent 14 of 17 kickoffs through the end zone.  Due to a struggling offense, he only attempted one field goal but did convert from 36-yards.   Footage below: