Jaylen Samuels is the Swiss Army knife of the NC State football team.  He is listed on the roster as a FB/TE.  For the record, he is the only player on the roster with that specified role.  There are other fullbacks and other tight ends, but no other FB/TE’s.  Even such a uniquely defined position on the roster, after talking with Samuels yesterday after practice, that definition sells his role short.

“I just call myself an H-back, because I play tight end, fullback, running back and receiver.” said Samuels.

Doeren has spoke highly of Samuels over the Spring and Summer, and rightfully so.  He shined bright in NC Sate’s victory over UCF in the Bitcoin Bowl in December, with 3 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.  In the Kay Yow Spring Game he had 93 total yards, including a 50-yard catch.  The affirming words of his coach mean a lot to him.

“It means a lot.  It even pushes me more,” said Samuels. “I’m not going to stop here. I’m going to go even harder this year and make the most out of it.”

Samuels who has played significantly in a fullback role, knows that Coach Canada plans on splitting him out more this year, and he has slimmed down some to fit that need.

“This offseason I really worked on condition of my body. I’ve lost a couple of pounds,” said Samuels. “I’m down to 225, and I was at 235 last year.  I really worked on conditioning and becoming a better blocker.”