Sample plans to take some visits
Cal and Washington are still the two favorites for James Sample but he said Oregon is also making a strong impression on him and the four-star safety from Sacramento (Calif.) Grant is expected to visit with the Ducks this weekend.
Sample, a 6-foot-2, 195-pounder who's rated as the No. 14 safety by Rivals.com, said he plans to be at the Oregon-New Mexico game this weekend and that he hopes to get more familiar with the coaching staff. That could help the Ducks in his recruitment.
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"They're really in the mix but I haven't been talking to the coaches that much," Sample said. "Once I get familiar with the coaches they'll probably move their way up. Cal and Washington are sticking out the most still."
There are also preliminary plans for Sample, No. 201 nationally and No. 14 in the California state rankings, to visit Washington the weekend of Sept. 18 when Nebraska comes to town.
The Huskies are one of Sample's leaders mainly because of coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff.
"Their coaching staff stands out to me because they remind me of the Grant coaching staff," Sample said. "They're always fired up and ready to go to work."
Arizona, Arizona State, Nevada, San Diego State, Utah and Washington State have also offered Sample, a hard-hitting defensive back, but Cal is the other team that stands out most to him.
A couple Grant players have played for the Golden Bears, some current ones like Viliami Moala and 2012 standout Shaq Thompson like Cal and so Sample is definitely interested as well.
"I really like the coaching staff and we already had two players that played there already so that makes a difference to me, too," Sample said.
Grant opened its season with a convincing 49-14 victory against Folsom, Calif., on national television. The Pacers return to action Friday night at home against Sacramento Burbank.