TSU offensive plan seems so simple: get it to Sample

Photo: TSU sophomore Julian Sample can play quarterback, running back and receiver. He can also play in the secondary.

By MIKE ORGAN, Staff Writer, Tennessean
Tigers want ball in sophomore's hands pretty often
Last season Julian Sample was a godsend for Tennessee State's football coaches.

This season Sample's versatility is testing the creativity of the staff.

With the season-opening John Merritt Classic against Alabama A&M on Saturday, the coaches are trying to devise as many ways as possible to get the ball in the sophomore's hands.

"We've been working on a lot of different things," Sample said. "They've been putting me in a lot of different spots to give me a lot of different opportunities to showcase my abilities."

Last year the Las Vegas native got an opportunity when starting quarterback Antonio Heffner injured his shoulder just past midseason. Sample moved from defensive back to help fill in at quarterback until Heffner returned late in the season.

Sample his talents

Though Sample's throwing ability was a bit suspect, the offensive coaches were excited about his ability to scramble and run the ball out of the pocket. Even though he played in four games, Sample did not throw a pass.

The former high school quarterback was given a chance to work on his passing in the spring when he was listed No. 2 on the depth chart.

The Tigers, however, landed Calvin McNairl, one of the state's top high school quarterback prospects from Henry County, and that freed Sample up to display more of his abilities.

McNairl is currently listed as Heffner's backup, meaning Sample, who's 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds, can be moved to several other positions.

"He is a true slash," Coach James Webster said. "Julian can play quarterback/running back/receiver, and if we had to we could move him back to defense and have him play in the secondary."

Webster said the initial plan is to move Sample around depending on the defensive scheme of an opponent or the flow of the game. If there are injuries, however, at a particular position Sample may be called on to settle in as a starter.

"That's why you recruit an athlete like Julian," Webster said.

"At this level (Division I-AA) you don't have the number of players and it's good when you have injuries to have a guy who you can put at several different positions."

Not just a QB

Sample stuck to quarterback throughout his high school career, but always wanted to show off his other skills.

In most cases it is in high school when a player is called on to play more than one position. For Sample that chance will come this season.

"I'm loving this, I love being a slash because I can show all my abilities. All the hidden talent that I had in high school I get to bring it out in college,'' Sample said.