Samuel working to make his own name

Anyone who knows football knows the name Asante Samuel. Out of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Anderson, Samuel parlayed a college career at UCF into being a two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler during an 11-year NFL career with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons.

But do you know the other Asante Samuel?

You will soon. Like his father, Samuel plays cornerback. He recently wrapped up his freshman season with Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, a nationally renowned football powerhouse that won the 2014 7-A state championship and earned a No. 25 ranking in the final USA Today Super 25 National Football Rankings.

Though only a class of 2018 prospect, Samuel still managed to work his way up from JV to earn varsity playing time, collecting five tackles in limited action.

If his name was anything other than "Asante Samuel," he may have received a pass in terms of letting his play on the field speak for itself. But when football fans look at a St. Thomas Aquinas roster and see the name, they ask, "Is that Asante Samuel's son?"

The answer is yes. But junior is well aware his father's accomplishments will only carry him so far in football.

"I can't do anything with the name if I'm not any good," said the younger Samuel, who stands at 5-feet-10, 165 pounds. "I don't pay attention to all of that. I just do what I have to do."

Part of what he feels he has to do is participate in the camp circuit this offseason, and he recently participated in the Miami stop of the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour. It was there that Southeast recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy saw Samuel perform for the first time.

Cassidy sees a lot of his dad in Samuel.

"Speed runs in his family and he showed that," Cassidy said. "And you can see the quickness and instincts."

The instincts Cassidy refers to are a pet peeve the elder Samuel stresses to his son.

"My dad always tells me to be patient and learn the (receiver's) routes," Samuel said. "And don't ever react too soon."

From a college prospect standpoint, Cassidy feels Samuel is in the beginning stages of realizing his potential.

"He's undersized, but obviously he's also very young," Cassidy said. "So you don't know what he's going to grow into. He's obviously got the bloodline and the pedigree. When he grows into his body and adds muscle, he's going to be a very interesting player."

Samuel already holds offers from Cincinnati and his father's alma mater, UCF. He'll also look to boost his stock this offseason when he visits Florida, Florida State and Miami, among others.

He said his freshman season was invaluable because he had the opportunity to play behind Damon Arnette, James Oliphant, Tyson Cisrow, Lance Deveaux Jr. and Rashard Causey -- all of whom are defensive backs who will be with D-I programs next football season.

"I learned a lot from them," Samuel said. "It was awesome, and I feel blessed to be a part of (the 2014 season)."

Because Samuel is just getting started with his varsity football career, he said he and his father haven't discussed recruiting yet. For now, he's focusing on getting better at his craft.

"Right now I just need to work hard every day," he said. "There are a lot of things I have to do to get better. I'm working to play more next season and I think my role could be at nickel back. I'll have two seniors in front of me, but my goal is to get five interceptions, give up zero touchdowns and help us win state again."

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