Samuel leads young linebacker corps

FB: Graduation has given way to fresh faces eager for the challenge

Max Samuel knows a little something about being counted out before having a chance to make an impact.

The Valparaiso junior arrived to campus in the fall of 2023 as a safety. He eventually shifted to linebacker, but Samuel spent most of that season on special teams. He’d make a tackle here and there and even blocked a kick in his third career game. With the exception of that block against Southwest Minnesota State, Samuel had a largely forgettable freshman season.

Until he didn’t.