WR Lorne Sam: Passing, Catching, Running

WR Lorne Sam (6′ 2 3/8″ 218lbs) has been signed as undrafted free agent. And like another former undrafted wide receiver, Rod Smith (6’0″ 200lbs), he comes to the Broncos with some passing skills.

In High School, Lorne earned All-State honors as a senior after leading the team to a 15-0 record and a state title. That year he completed 61 of 115 passes for 1,439 yards and 15 touchdowns (only 1 INT). He also ran for 548 yards and four touchdowns on 64 carries (8.6 avg).

He joined UTEP after spending two seasons with the Seminoles. Including his time at Florida State, Here are his college stats:

AS A RECEIVER:
He caught 64 passes for 934 yards (14.6-yard average) and one touchdown.

AS A RUNNER:
He also Carried 77 times for 436 yards (5.7-yard average) and four scores.

AS A PASSER:
Completed 13 of 25 passes (52.0%) for 185 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Here are a few positives that have me excited:
* Has the ability to play more than one position
* He’s smart – he has a good grasp of the playbook and understands the game
* Can play through pain – played most of 2004 season on a fractured left foot
* Has the size and athletic ability but needs additional training
* Seems to have a team-oriented attitude

And here are the things that bother me:
* Not a very good blocker – uses his size not technique
* Questionable work ethic – tends to only do what is required in the weight room
* Not a crisp route runner – uses his athletic skills to overcome sloppy routes
* Has been out due to injury quite a bit – started only 11 of 42 games (total)

It seems like we have a very athletic kid that need to learn from the great Rod Smith a little something about working your tail off in order to make the team. If he is willing to learn from our coaches and do a bit of growing up we might have a real talent in a couple of years.

I do believe Lorne has a good team-first attitude. I want to show you a video interview he did after a pretty bitter overtime loss last year. But first I want to set this up…

Lorne Sam did fumble twice during this game (although one was recovered by his teammate). However, he also caught 9 passes for 127 yards (14.1 average), rushed for 59 yards on 9 attempts (6.6 yards average) and completed 2 of 2 passes for 47 yards (23.5 yards average). The Miners lost the game 45-42.

What I think this video shows is Lorne’s willingness to take this loss on himself (as a leader of the team) and talk about how HE can get better for their next game rather than just jawing about his personal stats or about the errors of other players. This impressed me more than stats could and may point to a maturing young man that can make our team.

Take a look…