As far back as the ninth grade, people have been asking Central High School football athlete Traveon Samuel, “Where are you going?” The question refers to Samuel’s college choice and in August the talented running back and slot receiver ended speculation when he committed to attend the University of Louisville. The decision was a longtime coming for the Red Devils senior but it brought an immediate sense of relief.
“The next day, when I woke up, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It had been stressful for a long time but I made the right decision for me,” says Samuel.
The 17-year-old has been touted as one of the best high school football players in the nation and is ranked the No.11 all-purpose back in the country according to 247Composite. He received early attention from several powerhouse college programs eventually garnishing 17 offers. Prior to his final decision, Samuel had narrowed down his choices to three major schools, South Carolina, Florida State and Auburn. On the verge of committing to one of those, he visited Louisville and well, the rest is history.
“I just loved Louisville. I liked the coaches, the players and the program. They run the same kind of offense we do so it was clear I wouldn’t have to spend time learning something else. That was pretty big to me,” Samuel says.
On August 1, Samuel committed to the University of Louisville while on the campus in Kentucky. He says he took his time making the decision and attended “about 100 camps” over the last few years looking at schools. Samuel insists the verdict was not made on the spur of the moment and he received no pressure from family about the decision.
“My mother told me I needed to make it because I was going to be the one who had to live with it. I looked at a lot of options and in the end, Louisville is the right choice for me,” he says.
The road to here has had some really great moments for the 5’8,” 175-pound athlete. Samuel played varsity as a freshman. He experienced a breakout year as a sophomore running back for the Red Devils, scoring 20 touchdowns in 2012 and rushing for 647 yards. His junior year the three-star prospect racked up 781 yards rushing, 452 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. He says his favorite position to play is slot receiver but since his talents include speed (he runs a 4.41 40-yard dash) and agility, he is a natural at several positions including special teams.
Just before Samuel began preparations for his final season at Central, a major coaching change was made in the Red Devils football program. Long-time Central head football coach Woodrow Lowe was replaced by newcomer Jamey Dubose. Samuel has some definite thoughts on the events that took place. Wisely, though, he knows at this point he can show loyalty to both the past and present coaches by putting forth his best performance on the field.
The Phenix City native‘s uncle, Robert Wilson, instilled in him a love of the game. While playing middle school football Samuel began to think he might be a good football player and if he worked hard and made good grades, he could make it to the college level.
That idea was reinforced when he garnered an unusual amount of attention as a freshman. It was then that Samuel realized he was going to have to take his talents seriously. He ran track at Central and last year he played baseball but football has always been his focus. As offers from colleges began to roll his way and it became clear he had his pick of schools, Samuel made a surprising decision. He put into place a plan to finish his high school academic schedule a semester ahead of his peers.
“I will be enrolling in January at Louisville. I have been taking classes to finish early and this way I will already be there as a freshman for spring training,” he says.
Samuel says he feels he is ready for the move even if he experiences a little nervousness like every new college freshman. Whatever anxiety he has will be far outweighed by the excitement of being a part of the football program under the direction of Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino.
He expects to be used as a slot receiver, punt returner and kick returner for the Cardinals. Before he heads up the road to Kentucky, Samuel is in the middle of his senior season at Central. His strong work ethic and multiple skills make him a valuable asset for the Red Devils.
Samuel is setting the stage for a run at the state championship for his team. He believes the Red Devils have the means and the opportunity to make it happen. According to his timetable, he will be able to see his team into the winner’s circle and then have about two weeks of school left before the holiday break. After the first of the year, Samuel will exchange the red of Central High for the red of the University of Louisville’s Cardinals.
“It’s a relief to have the decision made. There was a lot of stress on me for a long time but I couldn’t be happier about Louisville. It just seems like the right fit for me. A lot of good schools wanted me but I probably wouldn’t get to play as soon as I will at Louisville. I am motivated by that and I’m going to go there and prove myself,” says Samuel.
Getting to know Traveon
Family: Mother, Tyesa Wilson; father, Reginald Samuel; three sisters and two stepbrothers
Favorite food: Chicken
Favorite place to eat: Zaxby’s
Music he listens to: Rap
Athlete he admires: Tavon Austin
Favorite sports team (college or professional): Louisville/Patriots
Church: Liberty Hill
Person he most admires: Jonathon Wallace
Favorite movie: Friday Night Lights
Future plans: To get a degree in broadcasting and to become a professional football athlete
Best thing about attending Central High School: Being around people who have the same goals.
Columbus Valley/Player Spotlight/October 2014
Traveon Samuel
Central High School
Phenix City, Alabama
By Beth Welch
Photos by Jerry Christenson
