Interview: 4-Star 2022 TE Sam Roush is a Defensive Coordinator’s Nightmare
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The new era tight end is the perfect response to how defenses are evolving with do-everything outside linebackers. When offensive coordinators have the right tight end for the job, that player is transformative capable of lining up tight, in the slot, or out wide impacting the game as a threat in the aerial attack and in the run game as a blocker. One of those threats giving defenses fits is Class of 2022 four-star talent Sam Roush (6-5, 225). An elbow injury slowed Roush’s total production for California’s Valley Christian in 2019, but he aided in the Warriors’ 11-2 season by securing 11 passes for 175 yards with a score in five games played. College coaches are loving what they are seeing with 11 offers already floated out to the San Jose area product.
In an RNG first-look Roush stepped inside the Lab for an in-depth conversation covering his play on the field and early recruiting process.
Interview
Sam, I love guys like you on the field bringing the tight end position back in such a versatile way. Where all were you lining up and what all were you doing during the 2019 season?
“I played receiver last year, we had a senior tight end. Last season I did a lot of crack blocking on linebackers. We run a lot, that meant a lot of blocking for me. In our normal formation, the tight end can line up in a three-point on the line or spread me outside lined up in a two-point.”
Within the Warriors’ Spread offense, how did your game improve as a blocker?
“Last year, I did not block a whole lot other than I got to block the linebacker four or five times a game on crack sweeps or blocks. That did help improve my blocking with hand-placement and making sure my shoulders were not over the toes.”
And what about as a receiving threat? How did that part of your game improve?
“I ran a lot of routes, which is good. I certainly got faster last season.”
Which routes were you running?
“I was running post and streaks. I slimmed down on the weight which made me a better route runner. As a tight end, the routes off the line are not as clean.”
Are you expanding your responsibilities on the field in 2020?
“Yes. I will probably be playing tight end next year, that is the plan. That means a lot more blocking. I will still go out wide but not as often. I might play some defensive end or outside linebacker too.”
Are you excited about playing defense?
“Yes. I am very excited. Defense is great. Defense is more fun than offense.”
Given all that you do on the field from blocking to being a target in the passing attack, how have you prepared for that role with your workouts this spring?
“I throw with my QB a lot. Every other day we throw and workout. I am trying to do some speed exercises, ladder work, and track workouts to prepare for next season. The plan is to get faster while putting on the weight.”
Is there a player at the college or NFL level that you watch to learn more about the position? If so, what are you watching about his play and what have you taken away to make your own?
“My favorite tight ends in the NFL are Zach Ertz (Philadelphia) and George Kittle (San Francisco). George Kittle plays about 30 minutes from house. He is one of the best and most versatile tight ends in the league. I try to figure out what they are doing. If he is going out for a pass, I watch his stances seeing what he is doing and how he is doing it.”
Did you get a chance to run a 40-yard dash this offseason? If so, what did you post?
“No, I didn’t. Guessing I would have run an 11.9 in the 100 and 4.85 to 4.9 in the 40.”
If the college camp circuit does take place, are there any camps you may attend this summer?
“I’m not sure if the camps will happen, but if they do, I am planning on going to UCLA, Cal, and Stanford camps.”
Heading into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“UCLA and Washington – I am talking to both of them.”
How many offers have you received so far?
“Eleven.”
Roush’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Cal, Duke, Colorado State, Nebraska, Oregon State, Texas Tech, USC, Utah, and Utah State
Have you had a chance to start visiting programs yet?
“This spring, I was going to the Cal and Stanford spring games but both were cancelled. I went to USC when I was down there for the Rivals camp and I went to UCLA when I was there for the Next Gen camp.”
How did the USC camp go?
“It was good, it was really good. They showed us around; I was offered about three weeks after. It was super cool.”
And the UCLA visit?
“I really like their tight ends coach, Coach Derek Sage. He is a cool guy and a great coach. We did a film session; he showed me their offense. They use the tight end a lot.”
Assuming all the campuses open back up this summer, are there any planned visits you may take?
“We go to Utah every summer on vacation; we go with my grandparents and cousins. When we go this summer, I want to go to Utah or Utah State if they are open because we will be so close.”
Last question for you, my virus buster. What have you been doing for fun during the quarantine?
“We still have school; I’ve been doing that and we’ve watched a lot more The Office and Parks and Recreation. We also have done some puzzles and play board games.”
Sam, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Roush family; Sam Olsen Roush at USC