Name: Sam Clark
School: James Madison University
Position: P
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Primary goals were to do my job, be a reliable punter, and help the team win football games. To fulfil this goal, I set supplemental goals in way of having consistent footwork, ball-drop and contact point. Achieving these outcomes would result in me performing my job to a high level.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I would hope to be described as a reliable player and good teammate. More specifically, I believe Grant Cain (Special Teams Coordinator) would highlight my ability to get the ball off fast and always deliver sound results.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
The first thing I look to during film study is footwork, I have found that consistent, compact footwork is arguably the most influential aspect in executing a good punt. Following this, I will examine ball drop to determine if I am striking the ball in a good location on my foot and upon the football. Some time is also spent reviewing opponent behaviors to determine if there are any tells as to when they are rushing/holding up.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
In terms of quantifiable numbers, there is very little that separates me from other punters, and I would argue that there is not a great deal that separates most high-level punters in this regard. Where I would separate myself is my versatility in executing varying styles of punts at a high level and my overall consistency, rarely hitting a ‘bad’ ball. Additionally, I am a seasoned holder, performing that role for one All-American Kicker (Kyle Sentkowski).
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
After developing strong relationships with James Madison Football strength coaches, Derek Owings, Nate Adams, Nate Johnson and Adrian Guardado, I elected to remain in Harrisonburg to train with Coach Owings and his staff in preparation for ProDay, and the months following. This staff is intelligent, hardworking and achieves results, they have helped me to punt the ball farther and higher, as well as becoming faster and stronger than I have been before. I am paying particularly close attention to my mobility, explosive power, and front side hip speed.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My major strengths are as follows: versatility in executing any punt style requested by coaches; pooch/short field punts and a proven ability to pin teams deep consistently; ability to get the ball off in under 1.0 second where necessary; the range between what is my best punt, and my worst punt is small, meaning while I may not often crush a five second ball, seldom do I shank a punt making me a reliable punter. Finally, I will add that I am a good leader and always do my best to support my teammates and organization.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
At this point I would suggest that there is no greater selling point than my college statistics which highlight my ability to consistently deliver high level punting results. Over the past two seasons (2021 and 2022) I have averaged almost 44 yards per punt from 94 punts, with a net of approx. 41 yards per punt. Additionally, approx. 40% of these punts have been downed inside the opposition 20-yard line with only 6 touchbacks, highlighting a strong ability to pin teams deep. Finally, I believe my best punting is still ahead of me, my ceiling is high, and I would urge professional teams to work me out and determine for themselves how good I can be.
