Interview: Foundation for Great Success Laid for 2023 MaxPreps All-American DT Keith Sampson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Counting on a freshman to deliver at the varsity level is rarely a good sign, but then again few freshmen are like Keith “KJ” Sampson Jr. Sampson quickly caught up to speed against North Carolina 4/3A competition becoming that force in the defensive trenches New Bern High School needed. The Bears standout ended up with 75 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, a pick, and two forced fumbles through nine games earning MaxPreps All-American honors. The 6-4, 285-pound, rising star has now earned two Division-I scholarship offers and has college football coaches across the country taking notice.
In an RNG first look, Sampson sat down for a detailed one-on-one covering his amazing freshman season, offseason workouts, and insight on his early recruiting process.
Interview
KJ, you had a big season in 2019, especially for a freshman. As the season went on, at what point did you start to get into a groove playing against varsity competition?
“I’d say the second game of the season. We had scrimmages, I was still warming up to it and it was nothing I could not handle, I played travel ball. The speed I was used to, I have played against older guys, I just had to warm up to it.”
What were some of the biggest adjustments you had to make early in the season before you started controlling what was going on around you?
“A lot of guys were stronger, but again nothing I could not handle. If they were stronger, I would use my speed against them. If they were stronger than me, they were not as fast as me.”
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as an interior defensive lineman?
“As it went on, I got stronger than at the beginning of the season and my quickness, I was quicker with everything, especially the speed of the game. At the end of the season I became more vocal. At first, I did not want to overstep. By the end of the season, halfway through, I could tell people were counting on me more.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on this offseason heading into your sophomore campaign?
“This offseason I have been working on my hips, hip flexibility, getting stronger, my leverage, having quicker hands, and getting faster.”
Is there a collegiate or NFL player you watch footage on to learn more about the game?
“For college, I like to watch Chase Young (Ohio State) and for the NFL Aaron Donald (Rams.”
Once the 2020 season kicks off, what roles are you taking on for the Bears?
“Honestly I do not know. I know I will play defensive tackle, and I may play some end depending on how everything goes. I might play some on the offensive line. We lost some key guys on offense and defense from last season.”
To prepare for the 2020 season, what has been your workout routine this spring and summer?
“It has been the same. I have a trainer; he has his own gym. The intensity of my workouts has been way harder. I train with college athletes when they come home. Being with them, intensity wise, is good for me.”
No doubt. Have you maxed out this offseason, if so, what did you get on lifts like bench and squat?
“My bench is 255, my squat is 440, and my power clean is 225.”
Given your age, you are off to an amazing start.
“Thank you.”
Going into recruiting. Of what you know, which schools are showing interest?
“I know N.C. State, East Carolina, Appalachian State, NC A&T, Elon, Hampton, Michigan, and UNC (North Carolina).”
Which programs have offered already?
“Tennessee and UNC-Charlotte.”
Nice. Did you get to take any visits last season or this offseason?
“Yes, I went to UNC on a game day visit.”
How did the UNC visit go?
“They welcomed us; it was really cool. We ate, went to the game, saw their indoor facilities, saw the players’ hang out room, went through the tunnel and saw them warm up on the field.”
Once the campuses open back up do you have any planned trips?
“UNC-Charlotte and Tennessee for sure.”
What do you love about playing football?
“You can hit somebody and it is not illegal. You can take your anger and frustration out on the field.”
What is your GPA?
“4.0.”
For the 2020 season, what goals would you like to accomplish?
“Increases in tackles and sacks; I want 80 to 100 tackles, double-digits in sacks, at least 20 tackles for a loss, as many forced fumbles as I can get, and two defensive touchdowns.”
KJ, it was great spending time with you today and learning more about you and your game. Keep up the hard work.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Sampson family; KJ Sampson Jr
Thanks Ryan