Brett Samson
Tight End / South Dakota
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Brett Samson: 6’2, 240.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Brett Samson: I basically got lucky. My friend’s dad owns a gym in my hometown. He let me lift there. I was able to do every single workout. I also ran at my high school field.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Brett Samson: My whole life, I played baseball and did wrestling in Wisconsin. I dropped baseball after my sophomore year. I made it to state all four years in wrestling. I had 160 wins and 20 losses. I took second place my junior year and third place my senior year. I wrestled FB Alec Ingold of the Raiders back in high school. I wrestled at 210 pounds in the 285 heavyweight division. Then I went back to 220-pound division. I wrestled since I was seven years old. I never got a D-I offer for wrestling because I never won the title.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Brett Samson: I bounced around a lot. Sophomore year, I was a LG. Junior year, I played RB and a little bit of LB. Senior year, I played TE and LB.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Brett Samson: Missouri Valley conference teams were interested in me. I also had interest from D-II programs like Minnesota State of Mankato and Winona State. Northern Iowa, South Dakota and NDSU.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose the University of South Dakota?
Brett Samson: Everyone gets to touch the ball in this offense. I liked how well the coaches treated their players. The atmosphere felt like home. My hometown is similar to South Dakota. It has been fun.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Brett Samson: I came in at 210 pounds. The new coaching staff came in. I was a scout team player of the week a couple of times. During my redshirt freshman year, I split time with two other seniors. We played three TE’s in a game. I played in all 13 games, and we made the playoffs. We finished 7-4 and made a little bit of a run in the playoffs. We lost to Sam Houston State in the second round. Sophomore year, we got a new QB. We finished 4-7. Junior year, we finished 5-7. It was my best year. I split time with another TE. We rotated every other drive. I finished with 26 catches for 301 yards and five TD’s. I made second team all-conference.
Alex Khvatov: What is it like to play every week in a very competitive Missouri Valley Conference?
Brett Samson: Personally, I love it. Everyone wants to play at the highest level. It is a great conference. In 2015, USD knocked off NDSU in Fargo. Upsets happen every single week. It elevates your game to the highest level.
Alex Khvatov: Missouri Valley Conference has canceled its fall football season. What are your plans moving forward?
Brett Samson: Basically, we are actually trying to figure out if we will have a spring season. The board of governors are in the process of passing bills in this state. I plan to play next spring and stay for next fall. Coach Nielson will meet with seniors in the next two weeks.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Brett Samson: Perimeter blocking. My pass protection is super good. I have long arms. I also create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. I have speed and athleticism.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Brett Samson: Definitely, staying a little lower with my pad level especially in run blocking. I can struggle sometimes in the trenches. The biggest thing is working on footwork.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Brett Samson: My highlight was when we upset South Dakota State. They were ranked #4 during my junior year. We haven’t beaten them in 20 years. We beat them 24-21. I had two scores that game, first double score during my collegiate career.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Brett Samson: Make sure you are doing all of the little things right. Off the field, all eyes are on you. Everyone is watching you. Compete every day and do your best.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Brett Samson: Green Bay Packers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Brett Samson: Hands down, it is Travis Kelce. I love the way he plays the game. He plays with heart and passion. I like George Kittle as well.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Brett Samson: Mark Collins is by far our best corner. The way he plays. He is smooth and doesn’t make mental errors. Elijah Reed is a big safety who can move well and delivers a big hit. LB Jake Richardson has a big build and can move. Junior receiver Kody Case bounces from slot to the outside. He is a great athlete, very fast, and his hands are off the charts.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Brett Samson: Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb. Also LB Kenneth Murray from Oklahoma. He was drafted by the Chargers in the first round.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
Brett Samson: Leadership. You have to know what is going on in the run and the pass. You need to have dog mentality as well. In the trenches, you are blocking people who are significantly bigger than you.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Brett Samson: I love the fact that you can legally hit people and not get in trouble for it. Also the team atmosphere on Saturdays. You get to run out of the tunnel with your teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Brett Samson: I have good people’s skills. I can talk to people forever. I get to know everyone on a personal level. I know all of my teammates and I get along with them. I can get along with anyone.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Brett Samson: I am a big golfer. I love it.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Brett Samson: My major was in criminal justice, but I switched to general studies which is personal health, addiction drug studies and criminal justice. I want to get into law enforcement.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Brett Samson: Competitor, leader, hard worker, family-oriented, and determined.
