Over the course of the offseason we’ve talked to several key Syracuse football recruits. This one could be the best of them all.
I’m not going to sugar coat this. This may be one of the biggest Syracuse football recruits this century. SU needed a signing like this in the worst of ways. They’ve swung and missed on so many talented players that they were due to get a big fish and a big one they got.
Tyrone Sampson is one of the best interior linemen coming out of high school football. SU isn’t used to getting four-star recruits, so excuse our giddiness. Pairing this signing with that of Tommy DeVito and it seems like Dino Babers is changing the culture pretty quickly.
So we decided to sitdown with the big man and discuss why he chose the Orange, some of his interests outside of football, and his favorite parts of the game. Sampson is a very interesting person with a variety of interests and intrigue.
Hope you enjoy this thrilling and in-depth interview. To check out any of our previous conversations just go to the main ITLH page and click our Syracuse football tab or All-Time lists for more information.
Why SU Was The Perfect Choice
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
So first off why SU? What made you want to don Orange?
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Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"Coach Dino and the rest of the staff has something really special going on and they are just trying to get the players to do that and I believe and they believe I can help with that and I have a great relationship with every single coach."
How Is Ty Doing With The Pressure?
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
As a four star recruit do you understand the pressure/expectations/impact of you choosing the Orange? Do you welcome that challenge? Do you understand the potential ripple effects that guys like you and Tommy DeVito can have on this program, not only this year but the future?
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Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"I do understand it’s a lot of pressure and expectations but I know when I get on campus I won’t get treated any better than any other player on the team just because I am a 4-star. And yes me and Tommy already talk from time to time and we both have the same vision: to win an ACC championship and a national championship."
Team And Individual Goals
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
That leads me to my next question, what are your goals for the team this season and for your career? Also have you set some individual barometers for yourself for both the season and your time here in Orange?
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Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"The goal for when I get there is to just get to a bowl game and win it. While for my career an ACC championship and a national championship are at top of my to do list. Also I just want to adjust to the speed of the game and get stronger."
Three Pack of Questions
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Taking a look into the crystal ball, what’s your goals after SU? Do you have your eyes on the NFL or a different career field?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"Yes I have my eyes on the NFL, following my tenure at SU."
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Kingsley Jonathan
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Speaking of the NFL, are there any players of the past or currently that you model your game after?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"Yes Pat Elflein."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Wow that’s unusual to look at a player so close to your own age. What about Pat Elfein stands out? What parts of his game specifically do you try to study?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"I just like the way he plays and because he’s around the same height as me I like the way he comes off the ball i see a little bit of myself in him."
Another Three Pack? That’s Almost Like A Six Pack!
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
What’s your favorite part of the game?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"My favorite part about the game is the physicality. I love finishing off blocks."
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Russell Thompson-Bishop
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
What are you most looking forward to as a Division 1 College Football Player?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"To play during my freshman year and getting my degree and walking across the stage."
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Do you have a message for the Orange faithful who don’t know much about you, beyond the fact you’re a highly touted player coming out of High School? What are you going to bring to this team?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"I’m going to bring a hard working work ethic and try to pass that to my teammates. My other goal is to try to make this program great again."
Are We Headed To Overtime Content?!
Oh wait there’s more folks! We finished off with two final questions before we got Ty out of here.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Ty I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the Dino Babers postgame speech after last year’s win over the No. 17 ranked Virginia Tech Hokies. Did you get a chance to see it? If so, how did that affect the recruiting pitch if at all?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"Yes I did see it. I think it can be used as a recruiting tool for the future. I just felt that the team really deserved that win and you can tell he was very excited about the big win and that type of passion is infectious."
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Brandon Berry
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
One final question before we get out of here and it’s a bit outside the box. What do you enjoy most outside of football? What are your other interests?
Tyrone Sampson (@TSamp_51):
"I really enjoy reading. My favorite series is The Hunger Game Series!"