Asante Samuel

CB#22

Asante Samuel was born on January 6th, 1981 to Jasper and Christine Samuel. He went to Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lake, Florida. He played Quarterback, Defensive back, kicker, and punter in High School. Along with playing basketball and baseball. As a junior he threw for 1,800 yards and rushed for 500 yards. His senior year he earned All-Broward County honors and All-State honors as a defensive back. He was considered one of the countrys top pass defenders. Asante went to Central Florida University where he broke the schools record for pass break ups with 38. He moved from free saftey to cornerback after his freshman year and stayed there. He was chosen team captain for his solid leadership. Samuel started every game in his 4 years at college. Asante was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft. He signed with them on July 15, 2003. In Asante's second game of his NFL career he intercepted Vinny Testaverde and returned it 55 yards for the game winning touchdown. He was named NFL rookie of the week. In week 14 against the Bengals in 2004 he intercepted Carson Palmer and returned it 34 yards for the touchdown. In 2005 he led the team with 18 passes defended and tied the team with 3 interceptions. In the 2005 postseason he intercepted two passes. One against the Jaguars where he returned it 73 yards for the touchdown. Another against the Broncos with a tip-toe grab along the sidelines. Asante has only been with the Patriots a few years but has been a big factor in their success.