Interview: 2020 San Diego WR Sam Scaife is Having a Breakout Season for St. Augustine

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2018 season began, opposing Division-I California defenses had no idea how to prepare for nor defend against receiver Sam Scaife. Now, the rising Class of 2020 receiver has been on point all year helping St. Augustine High School to a 9-3 record during his first season at the varsity level, and all opposing defenders are well-aware of the man in jersey No. 2. While this may be his first season suiting up against the best San Diego has to offer, it does not appear that way. The 6-2, 190-pound, target has brought in 47 passes for 774 yards with 13 scores and returned 13 punts for 169 yards leaving defenders in his dust.

With the Saints on the verge of possibly stamping their 2018 season with a CIF San Diego Section championship in a rematch game against Helix, I sat down with one of California’s rising stars for an update on his season and preview of the championship game showdown.

Interview

Sam, from watching tape on you, there is no other way to say it but you have a pair of hands on you. How have you worked over the years on improving your hands?

“Before practice every day, I am catching balls off the machine, 10 on each side and I do reactionary catches with tennis balls.”

In addition to your hands, your concentration on the ball is next level. How have you developed that over the years, and Part 2 of the question, do you also play basketball?

“I keep my eyes on the ball at all times. Growing up, the only sport I played until I was 12-years-old was baseball. I was an outfielder, that helps me concentrate on the ball.”

I knew there was another sport in there somewhere. You’ve been able to further showcase your speed and athleticism this year as a punt returner. How is that skill coming along this season?

“It is fun returning punts. I love being involved in another dynamic part of the game. I like it. It shows what I can do in the open-field.”

I want to get back to you at receiver. The coaches are lining you up on the outside and in the slot, what are some of the more common routes you typically run?

“I run a lot of common routes, the coaches try to get me to the outside. They have jump ball routes, vertical routes, posts, and corner routes or G-routes for me.”

How are defenses lining up against you?

“The defenses we’ve been playing against all year have been good, they are giving me a run for my money. I like it though, it makes me produce stats for my offense. Sometimes they try pressing me, but getting off the line is easy for me. Sometimes they are playing off with a hang defender over the top.”

Everyone knows corners and receivers like to talk to one another. Are you a talker on the field?

“No. I have not had any games like that. There are always corners that are talking. I keep my mouth quiet and keep playing.”

How are college coaches responding to your season on the field?

“This is my first year on varsity, it is all just starting. I am receiving mail from Washington State and I am talking to Cal on Twitter.”

Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I have taken visits to Arizona State and one to Arizona with my 7v7 team, Fast Camp.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am talking to my 7v7 coach about taking me to Cal for an unofficial visit.”

Back to football. In the playoffs this season, you guys have taken down Steele Canyon (28-21) and Mission Hills (16-13), are you doing anything differently or at a higher level in the money games?

“Honestly, I have been doing what I have been doing the same all season. I do feel that my route running is crisper. I know defenses are trying to minimize me, I have to run cleaner routes to get the ball and score.”

You get Helix (8-4) on Saturday, what are you personally expecting from their defense?

“I’m expecting same as in Week 5. Their defenders will try to take away the long ball. They want us to put together 13-play drives to score. It will be a good game, I cannot wait until Saturday.”

Sam, it was great talking to you today. Good luck on Saturday against Helix.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Scaife family; Sam Scaife in action