PLAYER PROFILE: SAM WHITE
We asked U19 defensive player, Sam White, some questions about his transition from other sports to American Football to find out some challenges he faced, any skills that transferred over and what makes the sport so unique.
Sam plays rugby and previously played American Football for a different team.
What inspired you to transition from your previous sport to American football with the Northants Knights?
Nothing inspired me really. My mum saw an advert on a Facebook group and had forced me to go. 3 weeks later I was hooked. I’m glad I tried, American Football has seen me play numerous games with the team as well as 2 international games for Great Britain.
How has your experience in your previous sport helped you adapt to the unique challenges of American football?
I can adapt the discipline and tackling I learnt from rugby and bring it into American football. Doing this with my strength brings an edge to my performance.
Can you share some of the key differences you've noticed between your previous sport and American football, both in terms of gameplay and training?
The key difference I have between rugby and American football is that the fitness level and strength have to be higher in American football. I find rugby more physically challenging on my body than American football.
What position did you play in your previous sport, and how does it compare to the position you currently play in American football?
I play prop and eight in rugby, these relate to my position as a defensive lineman in American football because I have to be explosive playing these positions in rugby. Which directly correlates to how explosive I need to be in American football.
Did you face any initial challenges when learning the rules and strategies of American football? How did you overcome them?
The one challenge I had to face was getting my head around all the rules. In the end, I gave up learning them and just went for it. The playing experience and coaching allowed me to learn as I went along.
Are there any skills or techniques from your previous sport that you find particularly useful in American football?
One skill I find helpful that I learned from rugby is my game vision and ability to read the plays and where players are going. This means I can focus on my assignments and stop the plays in the backfield.
How has the team camaraderie and atmosphere with the Northants Knights compared to your previous sports experiences?
This team is like a family with the same mindset and mentality as me. It’s nice to be on a team where they all want to work hard for a championship. Playing for fun is good however winning and having fun takes it to the next level. This is what Knights have taught me and I love it. We train hard to play easy.
Could you describe a memorable moment or game that made you feel proud of your decision to switch to American football?
One memorable moment in American football for me is moving up to the under-19s mid-season and dominating after people weren’t sure about the decision. Finishing the season with the most sacks and TFLs helped me with my fear of moving up with people I had never played with.
What advice would you give to other athletes considering a transition to American football with the Northants Knights or a similar team?
Go for it! What’s the worst that can happen? We are a family and we will help you find your position and then develop your skills.
Having transferred to the Knights from another team, what makes American football with the Northants Knights a unique and exciting sport to be a part of?
Football with the knights is like a brotherhood. Everyone with the same goal. it’s perfect everyone wants to win and so do I so its like magnets we just stick together.
This off-season we will continue to highlight young athletes and their stories.