California 2017 LB Sampson “Ram-Man” Niu has Battered his way to 26 Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is no better compliment to give a football player at any given position but to say they are a player’s player. Madison High School linebacker Sampson “Ram-Man” Niu is exactly that, a linebacker’s linebacker.

Niu has been a mainstay on the California High School field over the past two seasons after being called up during the Warhawks playoff run during his freshman season. The now 6’1”, 217 pound, head hunter did not disappoint with full-time work during his sophomore season coming up with 93 tackles, four tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery helping Madison to a 9-4 record.

The 2015 season was much the same. Niu further developed his “Ram-Man” style of punishment knocking a team-high 90 ball carries to the turf and netting eight tackles for a loss – a team-high, two sacks, six quarterback hurries, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery. The Warhawks were solid again last season going 8-3 until meeting up with a very good Helix team in the playoffs.

Watching Niu play, one quickly sees just how much the southern California talent likes to hit, thus the “Ram-Man” nickname, and how hard he brings the action on each play. No telling how many helmets he has cracked or bells he has forever rung, but the quick and instinctive player has had his play noticed by college coaches, and a lot of them love what they are seeing. To date 26 teams have offered Niu. The list reads like a who’s who of college football with USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Colorado State, Utah, Wisconsin, Boston College, Ole Miss, Colorado State, UCF, Arizona, San Diego State, Washington, and Vanderbilt, just to name a few, all extending a scholarship offer.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the battering ram forever to be known as “Ram-Man” to get the inside scoop on his progression on the field, offseason workouts, and recruitment.

Interview

Sampson, you’re stat line is great and your play on the field certainly backs up all the offers. You have some vicious hits on your reel. Have you ever knocked a guy or two out of some games?

“My sophomore year I’m pretty sure I got someone good. That hit is on my reel. I’ve knocked a few guys out of games over the past two years.”

You’ve had two full seasons at the varsity level as a linebacker. What are some of the things you do well on the field at this point in your career?

“I would definitely say my IQ. I have a high knowledge of the game. My physicality and also just having a good sense of the ball – good instincts.”

What are some of the things you do well from a technique standpoint as a linebacker?

“Like I said, my IQ of the game. My pre-game work helps. I prep by watching a lot of film. When I watch film I look for tendencies at what the offensive line is doing. For example, are they going to pull based on their stance? I look for pass verses run plays. During the game it helps me understand what the offense is doing and helps me get more tackles. It helps me get to the ball faster.”

Which game last season was your best and why do you consider that your best game?

“I think my best game was my last game against Helix. I think that was my best. I showed out. Helix was the best team we have played in the last two to three years. They had a lot of talent. That was my best game. I did really well. We did not win, but I still feel like I did well. I had over 10 tackles against them.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last season?

“Yeah, I was team MVP, first team All-League, League MVP, first team All-CIF, first team All-State, and I guess I am a pre-season All-American. I also earned a Union Academic Tribute for my grades.”

Impressive. You play on the outside and on the inside for Madison. Which position do you like best, outside or inside?

“I like the inside.”

Will your role change next season? Will we see you at a different position or on offense?

“We lost some O-linemen. Our O-line coach is trying to find some guys to replace them. I will play inside backer but if they need me as an O-lineman, a running back, or wide receiver I will play wherever it takes for us to have a good season.”

Have you set any goals for yourself for the offseason or for the 2016 season?

“Yes, I have. My goal is to get over 120 total tackles. I want to win CIF, the open division, and state. I wanna get at least over 60 solo tackles.”

What are you working on in the offseason to prepare for your senior year?

“I’m doing a lot of speed training trying to get faster. I’m trying to get bigger and stronger. I’m trying to put on some more weight while having good speed.”

Do you have a weight gain goal you want to hit for your senior season?

“I want to be around 220 by start of the season.”

Have you maxed out in bench, squat, or any of the other primary football lifts this offseason?

“No. The last time I maxed out was during my sophomore year.”

How many offers do you have on the table right now?

“I have 26 offers.”

*Now has 27 offers.

Are there any schools pushing a little bit harder than the others trying to gain your verbal commitment?

“Actually a lot of schools are contacting me. USC, Michigan, and Washington. LSU is my most recent offer. Notre Dame, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Ole Miss are in touch with me a lot too.”

Are there any schools that are in regular touch with you but have not offered you yet?

“Stanford, UCLA, and Arizona State.”

You’ve been on some unofficial visits to Pac-12 schools. Which campuses have you visited so far?

“USC, I’ve also been to SDSU (San Diego State).”

Do you have any unofficial visits set up for anytime this spring or this summer?

“I’m going to Arizona State on Friday and Arizona on Saturday for a Junior Day. That is it for now.”

When you visit these schools, what will you be looking for as a perspective student-athlete throughout the trips?

“I’m looking at the campus and facilities. I’m also ready to talk to the coaches to see how they are in person. The main things is seeing if they have good academics.”

Have you released a Top 5 yet?

“No, not yet.”

Do you have an idea when you might release one?

“I’m going to at some point but right now not I’m sure.”

Have you come up with a time when you want to make your verbal commitment?

“I’m still not sure.”

How are things going in the classroom?

“Great. I have a 3.6.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the SAT in March but still have not received my score yet.”

Do you know what you want to major in once in college?

“I’m undecided.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“English.”

Do you play any other sports for Madison?

“My freshman year I played basketball and ran track. My sophomore year I played basketball and ran track. This year it is just football.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I just love the game. I’ve been playing it since the second grade. When I first started playing it grew on me. My dad has coached me which has helped. I just really love the game.”

Sampson, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visits to Arizona State and Arizona.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: utpreps.com; No. 55 Sampson Niu on the field.

Photo credit: todaysu.com; No. 55 Sampson Niu poses for a post-game photo with coach and teammates.

Photo credit: Niu family; Sampson Niu at USC with linebackers coach Johnny Nansen.