Sample favors two Pac-10 teams
James Sample hasn't narrowed his list yet but the Sacramento (Calif.) Grant four-star safety said California and Washington are his favorite two programs but a decision is still months away.
Rated as the seventh-best safety, No. 122 overall and No. 14 in the California state rankings by Rivals.com, Sample said he won't make a commitment until after the season, probably at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
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Some Sacramento Grant players have already gone to Cal and that helps the Golden Bears' chances along with the fact that Sample, a hard-hitting 6-foot-2, 195-pound recruit, likes the coaching staff in Berkeley.
"We already had a few players that went there and that mostly stands out and they started and they know what Grant players are about, they're about business," Sample said.
"The coaching staff is cool. They're all hyped. Them and the Huskies remind me of Grant, their coaching staff, because they don't expect nothing less than the best."
Two visits to Washington have helped its chances with Sample, who also has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Nevada, Oregon, San Diego State, Utah and Washington State. The Huskies' coaching staff is also a major reason why Sample is so strongly considering them.
"I've been up there twice and I like the area and their coaching staff is awesome," Sample said. "They're my favorites right now."
Florida has started to show some interest in Sample, one of the better players at the Palo Alto NIKE Camp, but that is still in its early stages. Alabama continues to send recruiting mail but Sample said he hasn't had a chance to reach out to the Crimson Tide coaching staff.