Interview: 4.5-Star 2019 Arkansas K Sam Younger Updates College Camp Circuit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Being a special teams guy in high school, and even in the college ranks, does not typically bring the big spotlight. But, no team can truly be successful without a successful third phase of the game – special teams. One player helping make Bentonville High School successful on the gridiron is Class of 2019 kicker/punter Sam Younger.

Younger was a big part of the Tigers 10-3 season in 2017 with a run to the 7A Arkansas state title game. The 5-11, 176-pound, specialist nailed 51-of-53 point after attempts and was good on 7-of-9 field goal attempts with a long of 44-yards. Younger’s productivity on the field has earned him a 4.5-star ranking from national kicking guru Chris Sailer and a list of college football programs ready to see how well he does again during his senior year. Off the field, Younger excels in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA and outstanding standardized test scores.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Arkansas’ top talents at his respective position covering his on-the-field talents and his summer college camp circuit.

Interview

Sam, the Tigers had a great 2017 season with a deep run into the playoffs. Throughout the season you guys played against some great competition allowing you to show the ice in your veins. What were some of your bigger or more important field goals last season?

“I’d say some of the bigger ones were against Conway, that helped get my confidence up, and I had a big one against Fayetteville. When I hit that I knew I was in the groove, I got my timing down. It took my snapper, holder, and I a few games to get into the groove.

“I must say, without my long snapper and holder I would not have been able to do as well as I did last year.”

How did those pressure situations help you improve as a kicker?

“It helped me with my experience. Getting to go out there and hit them, it helps you focus and trust your abilities to perform in big situations. Each big one helps for the next.”

What was your longest field goal in a game last season?

“My longest field goal was 44-yards in the semis against Bryant.”

What is your longest field goal ever, game or in practice?

“Off the ground, it is 55-yards. Off a tee, around 58- to 60-yards.”

What is your average on kickoffs?

“I’ve been doing them at camps; my average is 65- to 68-yards.”

Are you going to punt this season?

“Yes, sir.”

What have you been working on with your punting?

“I have been working on being consistent with my drops and my form. Our senior punter from last year, he has been helping me this offseason.”

What all have you been working on with your skillset this offseason on field goals?

“It has been all about accuracy and focus. Last year was big with experience for me. I am getting stronger this offseason. I have my long snapper back, thankfully, and I have my holder back as well.”

Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your abilities?

“My biggest growth is with my strength. I have always been accurate. In the weight room, my squat is up to around 400 pounds. We’ve had a long stretch of really good kickers at Bentonville, two guys that went to Navy to kick. They have been helping me. That is huge for me.”

Have you been to any camps this offseason?

“Yes. I’ve been to camps with Oklahoma State, Rice, Arkansas, and I am planning on attending camps at UCA (Central Arkansas) and a Kansas camp in late July.”

How did the Arkansas camp go?

“It went well. It was nice to see the coaches and talk with them. It was great to see their great facilities.”

What about the OSU camp, how did that go?

“It went really well. I talked to M.K. Taylor, their special teams coordinator, when I was there. Getting to compete there was great. They have unbelievable facilities. It was great to compete against a lot of good talent.”

Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?

“Rice was my best. I had some good field goals down there. I was consistent off the ground. Overall, Rice was my best camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“UCA, Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, and some of the D-II schools around here.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I plan on going to Arkansas during the season, UCA, and some of the other schools around here.”

What goals have you set for yourself in the 2018 season?

“The goals I have set, I want to be more consistent and more reliable. I want to be a dependable part of the team. The team goal is to win it this year. I want us to get back to the championship game and finish what we’ve started.”

What do you feel sets you apart from other kickers?

“What sets me apart is consistency. Last year I started off shaky, but I nailed 48 consecutive PATs. That has helped me with my confidence and consistency. With field goals, going 7-for-9, I’d say that helps show my consistency.”

Why should a college coach recruit you? What type of student-athlete would they be getting with you?

“They’d be getting a team-first guy. I will always do the extra work to see the team succeed. That is what it is all about – winning.”

Sam, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Sharon Robinson – Robinson Photography; Sam Younger in action