California 2017 TE Sam Shadorf Updates Brown Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
When the time is right between college recruiter and high school football player, there is nothing quite like that moment – a special birthday gift or a Christmas day to remember. Said player is immediately accepted into a new brotherhood finding a home, in most cases, for the next four years along with the knowledge that a free college education is waiting. The recruiting dance between Brown and Class of 2017 tight end Sam Shadorf came to a swift conclusion on Saturday when the Bears offered their target with an acceptance within the hour.
Shadorf’s offer list grew from six to seven and need not expand beyond that now. Brown, along with Air Force, Northern Colorado, San Diego, New Mexico, Fordham, and Montana State, locked onto Shadorf after he proved to be a two-way standout during his junior season for Sierra Canyon High School. The Chatsworth area squad ran rough through California competition going 14-1 into the state championship game. Their 6-4, 220 pound, defensive end brought an end to 82 plays during his junior season with 19 quarterback hurries and 12 sacks. On offense, the big tight end target secured 10 passes for 118 yards with five touchdowns.
Brown was one of several Ivy League schools to see Shadorf in person during the off-season camp circuit. On Saturday, Brown offered their target with Shadorf quickly accepting. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the new Bear commit to get the inside scoop on his commitment along with an update on the Trailblazers 30-20 road victory over Orem High School (Utah – 4A).
Interview
Sam, first, congratulations on your commitment.
“Thank you.”
I saw you just the other day but had no idea you were this close to committing to Brown.
“Neither did I. At that time they had not offered me yet.”
When did you get the offer from Brown?
“Yesterday.”
How did they offer you?
“Their tight end coach, Coach (Kevin) Decker, called me. He gave me the offer when he called. He wanted me to commit right away. I asked if I can call my parents first. I told my parents that is where I wanted to go to school, they agreed. I called him back, and then we all figured it out and I committed. It was really cool. After that I called their head coach (Phil Estes) and talked to him. It was really great.”
You mentioned that Brown is the place you wanted to be, what led you to that feeling?
“Over the summer, I went back east for a couple of camps at Ivy League schools. I went to Brown and met all the coaches at one of their camps. We hit it off. I knew then that Coach Decker was a great coach. We walked around Providence – the vibe and atmosphere there was great. I knew that is where I want to go to school then.”
When Coach Decker called you on Saturday to extend the offer, how was that moment for you?
“I cannot put it into words. I had the biggest smile on my face. I told him ‘wow, you made my day. You made my year.’ That was amazing.”
You called your parents and then called Coach Decker back to commit. When you committed, what was Coach Decker’s reaction?
“He was fired up. He was fired up as I was. That is what I wanted to hear from him. I wanted to know that they are as committed to me as I am to them.”
Are you going to recruit players to join you at Brown?
“Of course. I have already been talking to some players. I want the best class we can get.”
Which players have you already started recruiting?
“That is our recruiting secret for now.”
Fair enough. How are you pitching the guys to come join you?
“I’m telling them that Brown is the school for you. There is nothing more that you could want in a school. Brown has great football and academics. Brown is the best place to go for your future.”
Let’s shift to the Trailblazers. You guys had a big opening game against Orem High School at their house. How was the trip?
“It went great. We won 30-20. They were a solid team. We were already a close knit group but got closer after an 11 hour bus ride up there. The atmosphere was great up there. We got the win.”
How did the game go?
“We came out tough and stuck with our game plan. We were up 17-0 at one point and seemed to be in control of the game. They started making a comeback but we kept in control of the game.”
How did Niko Harris do (quarterback)?
“Niko, he had an amazing game. He’s an athlete that does everything for us. I’m not sure about his stats but he had a great game.”
*14 of 21 for 189 yards and eight carries for 61 yards with a touchdown
What about Bobby Cole, how did he do?
“The same thing with Bobby. He is a hard running back. He’s the best back in California. He did his thing.”
*21 carries for 173 yards with two touchdowns
How did you do?
“I did well. I had a score called back. I played both defensive end and tight end. I’m not sure of my stats. I think I had two catches. We all played well. It was a really cool experience.”
*Two receptions for 23 yards – no defensive stats listed
**Dylan Tait – four receptions for 75 yards and one carry for three yards with a touchdown
Sam, congrats on the win and on your commitment. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Sam Shadorf at Sierra Canyon (August 2016).
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