Kentucky Wildcats Football: Don’t Forget About Ra’Shaad Samples

Samples has been committed to Oklahoma State since last July, so getting him away from Mike “I’m A Man, I’m 40” Gundy will be a tough task for Stoops and co. to pull off after only being at UK since December. UK ‘s only chance with Samples is Neal Brown, who’s Texas Tech Red Raiders were a team that were strongly in the running for his  commitment before he ultimately pledged to OSU.

Samples also holds offers from Arkansas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Texas, and USC among many other BCS schools. He recently competed in the 2013 Under Armour All-America game.

His father did say in article yesterday, that as far he knows, “OSU is a done deal.” That could be a smokescreen to keep his interest in UK from causing the OSU staff to call him non-stop between now and signing day. Also, UK fans know all too well, there’s no such thing as a done-deal.

Here’s his ESPN Scouting Report:

"Samples is a pretty nifty prospect that could play on the inside or outside and is capable of turning short plays into long gains. Has adequate height and length, but needs to fill out his slight build. Shows good enough game speed to consistently get behind the defense and enough savvy as a route runner to create openings. Has good quickness and burst in and out of cuts. Is able to set up defenders and attack leverage to get open. Shows a good feel versus zone coverage to throttle his route in the open window. Willing to catch the ball over the middle and take a hit. Can add strength and power to withstand hits at the next level and really needs to in order to preserve durability. Catches the ball out and away from his body. Can adjust to the throw behind and pluck on the move. Bends well to pluck the low throw. Is a good route runner that comes tight out of his breaks. Shows explosive qualities to be able to separate versus man-to-man coverage. Does a good job of sticking the top of his routes to gain separation. Shows good anticipation to make defenders miss after the catch. Is not physically able to run through tackles with strength. Needs to add strength and tenacity to project as a blocker at the next level. Possesses traits to develop into a kick and/or punt returner at the next level. Samples is a playmaker, but may not be elite in any one area. Is a coaches kid and understands the game with a good feel and is a BCS level player."