Sammy played QB and free safety for the Ider Hornets under coach Stan Moss and Jimmy Allday. Sammy accumulated over 2,200 passing and rushing yards his senior year leading the Hornets to the 2A state playoffs. He earned All County, All Area, All State and Parade All American as a senior graduating in 1981. He represented the North in the North/South State All-Star game as a cornerback. Sammy received a full scholarship to the University of Alabama under Coach Paul Bryant playing defensive back and specialty teams traveling as a freshman and lettering in 1982 – 1983. He was part of the 315 all time win record under Coach Bryant as well as a participant in the SEC Championship team in 1981. After Coach Bryant’s death, Sammy played for Coach Ray Perkins where he earned a starting position his junior year at right cornerback. Sammy’s career ended his senior year with back and knee injuries sustained from a car accident. Sammy played in three bowl games at Alabama: the Cotton, Liberty and Sun Bowl. He graduated in 1985 with a BA in Communications. He currently resides in Knoxville with his wife Mary Beth and two sons, Chandler and Preston. He owns his own medical company selling spine implants and other medical devices to the surgical community. He is an active supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and World Vision Ministries.
