Unionville’s Sampson rebounding well after surgery

Richard Sampson didn't know at the time that his foot injury would cost him more than most of his junior football season.

After going down with a Lisfranc injury in Week 2 last year against Phoenixville, the Unionville standout had two screws inserted into the center region of his left foot and was sidelined from any serious running for about eight months.

Not only did Sampson lose his junior-year chance to impress college recruiters in game action, but he also could not participate in one-day camps and combines in the spring.

"I didn't start jogging until the spring," Sampson said. "Then, after the screws were taken out, I was able to run again in the early part of the summer."

Before the injury, Sampson, a solid halfback and cornerback, was clocked at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash. The University of Pittsburgh showed interest before coach Dave Wannstedt was fired last December.

"It's been pretty frustrating," the 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior said. "I feel like I'm playing well enough to generate some interest. I'm trying to be patient with the process. I hope some school sees me and takes interest."

Through seven games, Sampson, also dangerous as a kick returner, has carried 130 times for 893 yards and 13 touchdowns.

"He's got breakaway speed, good balance, and quickness," said Unionville coach Pat Clark, whose squad is 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the Ches-Mont League American Conference.

As a cornerback in a 4-4 scheme, Sampson helped limit Coatesville's Kyle Kerrick, a Michigan State recruit, and West Chester Rustin's Anthony Nash, ticketed for Duke, to a combined four catches.

"I'm pretty confident about facing any receiver out there," the 17-year-old said. "I like the challenge of proving myself against the area's big-name players."

Sampson's foot injury came while he returned a kick against Phoenixville.

"I made a couple of moves, saw a hole to break through, and then somebody dove toward me and landed on my foot. I didn't know how bad it was until I got the results from the doctor," Sampson said.

Sampson's surgery was performed by Steven M. Raikin, of the Rothman Institute, in downtown Philadelphia. Ex-Eagles running back Duce Staley is an example of an NFL player who was never the same after suffering a Lisfranc injury.

"Early on, I questioned how good I would be," Sampson said. "The biggest thing was getting used to game speed again. Now, I feel like I'm pretty much completely back to 100 percent."

Last week, in a 34-19 win over American Conference rival Sun Valley, Sampson, a point guard in basketball, rushed 23 times for 207 yards and four TDs.

Extra points. Council Rock North senior offensive tackle Sam Ryan was lost for the season when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and meniscus in Week 3 against Hatboro-Horsham. Surgery was scheduled for Thursday. The 6-3, 240-pound Ryan was expected to be a key contributor in basketball for the Indians. . . . C.R. North linebacker A.J. Garboski has notched 57 tackles, including 40 solos. . . . The Hill School's Adam Regensburg, a junior captain and third-year starter at safety, has six interceptions, including one he returned for a 25-yard TD. Rams teammate Kwame Larbi has carried 128 times for 769 yards and two scores. . . . Central Bucks South's Dan Brown has rushed 95 times for 842 yards and scored 21 TDs. Titans teammate Chris Veal has 32 receptions for 604 yards and five scores. . . . Wissahickon's Ricky O'Donnell has carried 82 times for 453 yards and five TDs. . . . Jenkintown's Blaise Coggin, a senior linebacker, has returned three of his six INTs for scores.