New York City has churned out All-Americans on the football field in recent years, including Florida’s Dominique Easley, Clemson’s Ebenezer Ogundeko and Notre Dame’s Ishaq Williams.
For once, however, the city has a prospect who isn’t highly sought-after because of his size or how much he bench presses.
Meet Erasmus Hall two-way speedster Curtis Samuel, who recently accepted an invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and cut his list of suitors to Notre Dame, Alabama, Miami, Rutgers and Ohio State. Samuel, from Brooklyn, is breaking the mold.
“That motivated me,” he said. “The top players in the country get invited to play [in the U.S. Army game].”
A dynamic safety, wide receiver and running back hybrid who has drawn comparisons to Seattle Seahawks star Percy Harvin, the 6-foot-1 Samuel, who runs a 4.43-second 40-yard-dash, is coming off a brilliant junior year, in which he led E-Hall to the PSAL City Championship title game and scored 18 touchdowns.
“I knew he was good, then seeing him in person he was better than I thought,” said Scout.com recruiting analyst Brian Dohn, who believes Samuel’s best position is safety. “What stands out is his overall athleticism. He’s a really athletic kid who can excel at different positions.”
E-Hall coach Danny Landberg raved about Samuel’s intangibles, including his leadership qualities off the field, as much as his game-breaking ability on it. As a sophomore, he got off to a great start before breaking his foot, and came back even stronger last year.
“I’ve known him for a long time. What stands out is the type of kid he is,” Landberg said. “He doesn’t have tattoos, he doesn’t curse, he doesn’t go out. He stays away from drama. He’s a mama’s boy.”
Samuel plans to visit Ohio State and Notre Dame in June, and make a decision by October. Of his five top schools, he doesn’t have a favorite, though he would prefer to play offense.
“I think I’m a better player with the ball in my hands,” the Crown Heights native said. “I’m a game-changer. I make plays.”
* Paramus (N.J.) Catholic cornerback Jabrill Peppers, a five-star recruit ranked among the top players in his class, announced he will pick from among Notre Dame, Michigan, Stanford, LSU, Penn State, and Rutgers on May 25. … Tottenville quarterback Brandon Barnes committed to Army.
In basketball, Harlem’s Chris Hooper, a wing from JUCO Odessa College in Texas, committed to St. Francis College. … Rutgers signed Iowa State transfer Nkereuwem Okoro from The Bronx and Junior Etou. … Christ the King junior Adonis Delarosa added an offer from Florida State. … Andrew Wiggins, the consensus top prospect in the country from Huntington (W. Va.) Prep singed with Kansas, over Kentucky, Florida State and North Carolina. … Davidson offered Iona Prep and New Heights sharpshooter Matt Ryan.