More than Advertised: #22 Asante Samuel
Asante Samuel has recently hurdled into the spotlight with his 3 interceptions in the last 2 games.
Asante (which means "Thank you" in Swahili) Samuel was born on January 6th, 1981 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. During his high school years, he played Quarterback, Defensive back, Kicker and Punter for his football team, while also playing on the basketball and baseball teams. During his Junior year, he racked up 2,300 all-purpose yards while playing quarterback. During his senior year, he concentrated on his stronger skill: defense. At the end of the season he had 4 interceptions, 75 tackles, and earned All-Broward County and All-State honors. At this point he was considered one of the country's top pass defenders.
He attended the University of Central Florida in 1999 where he majored in business. During his freshman year, he played in every game of the season at Free Safety. Sophomore year, he officially became a cornerback, starting the season-opener and playing in every game. Samuel started to bloom in his junior year, starting every game of the season. He earned an All-Independent first-team selection by Football News. That season, he made 41 tackles, 2 interceptions, a team-high 13 deflected passes, 2 fumble recoveries, and he blocked a kick. Senior year was the same story: Started all year at cornerback, earned All-Mid American Conference first-team selection, recorded 48 tackles (3 for losses), deflected a team-high 15 passes, and intercepted a team-high 4 passes.
Over the span of his college career, he recorded 127 tackles, 8 interceptions, 38 pass deflections, 63 punt returns for 673 yards (10.8 avg), and 10 kickoff returns for 168 yards (16.8 avg.). His 38 pass break-ups broke the old school career-record of 34. He was also chosen by his teammates to be the captain of the special teams squad.
The Patriots selected him in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft and was signed on July 15th, 2003. That season, he spent most of his time as the team's fifth defensive back. But, due to Ty Law's injury, he got his first start in a victory against Miami on October 19th. He was also named NFL Rookie of the Week for his performance against the Jets when he grabbed his first career interception and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown, sealing a 23-16 victory in the Patriots' home opener. His rookie season stats are pretty good: he played in all 16 games, notching 2 interceptions and 34 tackles.
In 2004, Samuel played in 13 games, starting 8 of them. He led the team with his 12 deflected passes. Against Cincinnati on December 12, 2004, he got his second career touchdown off of an interception. He went on to start all three post season contests (including the Super Bowl) for the Patriots in 2004 and finished tied for the team lead with four pass breakups that post season. He also had 3 forced fumbles that season.
In 2005, Samuel started all 15 regular-season games in which he played and tied for the team lead with a career-high 3 interceptions and led the team with a career-high 18 deflected passes. He also notched a career-high 53 tackles. In the two playoff games in which the Patriots played, Samuel intercepted two passes. His two career playoff interceptions are tied for fourth in Patriots playoff history behind Rodney Harrison (6), Ty Law (4) and Fred Marion (3).
This year, already matching his career high in interceptions, Samuel seems to be a top cornerback. He's quick and gutsy, but more importantly, he has improved every year of his career. This year he is much more mature and intelligent as is displayed by his ability to "lure" quarterbacks into throwing the ball to his side of the field. Most of all, he can hit. It is amazing what such a small guy (5'10", 185 lbs) can do. Former Broncos TE Putzier can attest to that… so can Ricky Williams, both of whom were absolutely annihilated by Samuel during the 2004 season. He has a killer instinct and is extremely explosive. We can do nothing but expect more greatness from his side of the field.
Unfortunately, he is in his final year of his rookie contract. Whether or not the Patriots re-sign him completely depends on how much he will demand from the team. He seems to understand his role and likes to win (2 Super Bowl rings isn't bad, either). Hopefully the team will keep him around, but until his contract expires, let's sit back and watch him give quarterbacks (and receivers) headaches.
