Did someone say "more D-linemen"? Pretty sure I heard that.
We've got 94 days left until the Battle in Seattle, so today I'll be highlighting the player with the #94 jersey—Sam McCaskill
#94, Sam McCaskill, RS Freshman, DE
Stats
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 246 lbs.
High School: Sheldon High School, Eugene, OR
How'd he get to The Blue™?
McCaskill was a standout two-way player for Eugene's Sheldon high school playing both defensive end and center. As a senior, McCaskill was named first team All-State and the Southwest Conference defensive player of the year after registering 115 tackles and 16 sacks—also leading Sheldon to the Class 6A title game. As a junior, McCaskill was similarly productive, notching 110 tackles and 12.5 sacks—again, earning him first team All-State honors. McCaskill had offers from Portland State, Montana and Oregon State, but chose the Broncos.
Nickname
"Yosemite"
He's the rootinest tootinest hombre this side of the Boise River.
Look-alike
Late wrestling icon Owen Hart
Career Highlights
As a senior, named first-team all-Class 6A selection at defensive end and center, and also named the Southwest Conference's defensive player of the year. Earned first-team all-league honors at defensive end, and second-team honors at center as a junior. Helped team to a state title as a sophomore in 2009.
2013 Prospectus
Last season I said I had a feeling about McCaskill and a redshirt year has done little to shake it. In fact, many thought that McCaskill would have the luxury of easing into a larger role with the defense with the Broncos returning a first-team all-conference pick and a freshman All-American. Things have a way of changing quickly in the college football landscape and now McCaskill may be asked to shoulder a heavy load this year, but I think he's equal to the task. Beau Martin and potentially Tyler Horn would have something to say about McCaskill being an odds-on favorite to start opposite Demarcus Lawrence, but he could easily be a game one starter, and even if he isn't—he'll still be getting a lot of reps in Seattle. McCaskill already reminds me a lot of Shea McClellin...heck, they even share the same initials...and if he can play close to McClellin's level, we'll halt our Sam Ukwuachu lamentations with a quickness. McCaskill has a great motor, a knack for harrassing quarterbacks (28.5 sacks in last two seasons of prep ball), and looked great in the Spring game—anyone else see a reason why we shouldn't be sky-high on the kid? Me neither. I think McCaskill will see lots of early season PT and by the time league-play rolls around, have opposing coaches worried.
Completely made up fact
Sam will honor his Scottish heritage by playing in a kilt this season. Matt Paradis will also honor Sam's heritage by feasting on postgame haggis.