|
|
#24 Sam VanDusen
6’0″
165
Cutter
A 2014-2017
Economics
Pittsburgh, PA
sjv17 AT pitt.edu
- 2017 Ultiworld 1st Team All-American (5th Year/Grad)
- 2017 Ohio Valley 2nd Team All-Region (5th Year/Grad)
Sam “SlamVan” Van Dusen, A.K.A. Dam Van Susen, is a fifth year player hailing from the Pittsburgh area. Sam went to Dayton University for a year before he realized the folly of his ways and transferred to Pitt as a sophomore. His athletic career began at a young age with a combination of soccer and track and field. Eventually Sam discovered his extraordinary ability to throw plastic discs, to quote Uncle Rico,”a quarter mile.”
Sam’s skill-set is unique. As a lefty handler he constantly embarrasses would-be marks with his laser break throws. His pulls soar through the air like the great albatross, only to float slowly down into the opposing team’s endzone like a big ol’ snowflake. Sammy Van may in fact have the best backhand huck in the college game, and it seems as though no cutter can be too deep for him to hit them in stride. On top of all these skills, Sam is most importantly a workhorse. Its like he’s driving a twelve-cylinder muscle machine that gets 60 miles to the gallon. The man can go for days, and he seems to only speed up as tournaments progress.
Off the field Sam is a delight. His energy reminds this writer of a box of golden retriever puppies that all just want to tackle you to the ground and lick you all over your face… and they wont stop until long after you want them to. He is conscientious and friendly, and always seems to have a wide grin on his face. When Sam isn’t roasting fools up-line, or bombing hucks down the fairway, he can be found lounging on the couch watching The Martian for the hundredth time, hanging out with his friends and teammates, or going way harder than anyone else in the gym or on the track.
Sam is a beloved personality, and a true force to be reckoned with on the field. Keep your eyes open for Sammy Van this season. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you surely will soon enough.
Pittsburgh’s defense asserted itself as one of the division’s top lines this spring, in no small part due to Sam VanDusen’s rise to prominence. VanDusen’s length, quickness, and anticipation made him one of the top one-on-one defenders in the college game and his gigantic pulls stood out in a division not know for excellence in that arena. Of course, he also happened to be arguably the team’s best offensive weapon, as well. Not only was he the most valuable member of the D-line offensive attack, he was also one of the few players to crossover for En Sabah Nur in key situations to join a cohesive offensive unit. VanDusen showed off a nice array of breaks, but he will be remembered for his enormous deep throws that opened up the field and generated quick breaks.
|
