THE DETAILS: CLOSE CONNECTION BENEFITS SAMPLE, TIGHT ENDS

By Mason Kelley // 12.23.16

By Washington Huskies

December 23^rd, 2016

Drew Sample has known Jeff Lindquist since he was a sophomore in high school. They are both local products who went to high school not far from each other.

Then there’s Will Dissly. Sample met his when they were in the same recruiting class. They’ve been friends and roommates ever since.

THE DETAILS: CLOSE CONNECTION BENEFITS SAMPLE, TIGHT ENDS

Add in senior Darrell Daniels and junior David Ajamu and Washington's tight end group as close as it is talented.

“It’s really fun to have that in a room, to support each other and to have each other’s backs on the field, in practice, really anywhere,” Sample said.

For the No. 4 Huskies, who are preparing for a New Year's Eve matchup with top-ranked Alabama in the Peach Bowl, the tight end position has changed over the years. Lindquist moved over from quarterback. Dissly started his career on defense. With each addition, the program has brought in more competition.

For some, that could provide a threat. More competition has an impact on playing time. But for Sample, the goal is to win. Adding more talent makes the group better. Throw in a close connection and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s been an amazing experience, something I’ve certainly never been a part of, this brotherhood, this family we have, this ride we’ve been on, it’s awesome,” he said.

This is why Sample decided to play college football at Washington. He saw a framework for something special. He wanted to be a part of it.

“One of the reasons I came here was I knew the type of coach he (Chris Petersen) was and what kind of program this was and how it had been in the past,” he said. “I had no doubt we would get there and work toward something that would be pretty special.”

Now in his third year with the program, Sample is making an impact. He has played in every game and is second among Husky tight ends in receiving behind Daniels with eight catches for 98 yards.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “Playing Pac-12 ball, being on the field with my brothers, doing whatever I can on the offensive side, special teams, everything. It’s been an unreal experience.”

It has been the kind of experience made better by being in the tight end room with, “a lot of great guys,” he said. “I’d say we’re pretty tight. It’s been a lot of fun.”