Quotes about Samson

About earning the starting center job, Samson said:
''It's cool, but I have to focus on getting my stuff done so I get that starting job against Washington [in the Sept. 9 season opener]. If I get that first start, the job is mine. They have guys they can bring in, or guys here to push me, so that motivates me. At first my eyes were big, like a deer in the headlights. I didn't know where to go, didn't know what to call. Now I'm getting it down to a T, although I'm not all the way. I need to get faster.'' (MH)

MH Note: "If Satele does start at Washington, he will join a rare group in Dolphins history. When Jeff Uhlenhake started against Buffalo on Sept. 10, 1989, he became the first rookie in franchise history to start a season opener at center. Uhlenhake remains the only Miami player to do it, even though the Dolphins have two Hall of Famers who played the position."

MH Note: "Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said Satele still has a way to go but said he has seen improvement the past few weeks. On Wednesday, Cameron spoke glowingly of how veteran defensive tackle Keith Traylor dominated one practice, a session against the rookie center."


About Samson, Cameron said:
''Like some young guys, he gets overly aggressive sometimes. What happens is, you get overextended and that's what defenses want. You need to play with leverage and patience at times. He's a physical guy, almost like a boxer who comes out and starts flying that haymaker in the first round. Then you have nothing left in the fourth quarter. He has to be cautious and more patient. There's a lot of blitzes he hasn't seen yet. He has a lot to learn.'' (MH)


About how he's been helping Samson, Rex Hadnot (who was Miami's starting C and now is their starting RG) said:
''Of course you want to help young guys out, but only if they want the help. Samson has come in from the jump and taken a student-first role. It's definitely helped his development. That speaks a lot to him as a person.'' (MH)


About how Hadnot has been a big help, Samson said:
''I watch film so I can improve from my mistakes and not do them again. Rex played there last year and really helps. It gives me confidence knowing he's right there next to me. I love that right now. I didn't get the playbook down right away, and if the coaches slid in a play on me, Rex would point and I would go off of that. He's on me now. I have to get it down.'' (MH)