Samuels Believes He's a NFL Running Back
NC State's utility weapon Jaylen Samuels was back in action at Pro Day, and he did shuttle and the jumps before participating in running back and wide receiver drills. For Samuels, Pro Day was a chance to return to the field with his teammates.
It was way different [than the combine], but it was a good time to get back with my brothers and the people I grinded with for four years," he said. "To see everyone compete out here, it was a great experience."
He also reflected on his time in Raleigh.
"[My time at NC State] meant a lot," he said. "I've met a lot of new people, had new relationships, and accomplished things I wanted to accomplish besides an ACC championship. It was a fun ride. I learned a lot of new things from a lot of great coaches. It was fun.
"This is the culture we've built. We've been building it for four years. The senior class that just passed, we tried to leave a legacy. The standard we've set at NC State is a high standard. I feel like it will continue to build."
The big question around Samuels has been where does the 6-foot, 223-pounder best project. At NC State he lined up all over the field, and he believes the picture is becoming clearer heading into the draft.
"As a true running back," he said. "I met with a lot of teams at the Senior Bowl and combine, but most of the teams, really every team, was saying running back. Being able to split out on third downs, catch the ball, show my catching ability as well. They see me as a running back."
Samuels doesn't have a good idea for where he'll be selected, but he has a goal.
"Me personally, I'm trying to go second [round]," he said. "I'm trying to go as high as I can go. I feel like I'm one of the best, and I'm going to keep working, keep showing teams how high they should draft me.
Whether it's at running back, H-back, fullback, wide receiver, or tight end, Samuels is just eager for the opportunity he's about to have.
"I’m eager to show whatever on the football field," he said. "Whatever an offensive coordinator wants me to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and prove everybody wrong. I’ve been proving everybody wrong since I was growing up.