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2023 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Ephrata QB Sam McCracken

Tagged under: District 3, News, Player Previews

| May 10, 2023


Sam McCracken
QB and S
Ephrata
Class Of 2024
Jersey # 1
HT/WT 6’1” 205lbs
2002 passing yards (single season record), 21 touchdowns (single season record), 3 rushing touchdowns, 200 yards per game
Other sports Track and Wrestling
Football: Honorable Mention QB (2021, 2022), 2nd Team Punter (2022) Wrestling: 7th at Leagues, Honorable Mention at 189lbs Track: Javelin School record holder (172’ 4”)
Twitter @SamMcCracken15


Head Coach Kris Miller says “Sam is entering his third season as our starting quarterback. He is a tough, hard nosed kid that is willing to do whatever it takes to win football games. He also excels in wrestling and Track and Field”.


LET’S GET TO KNOW SAM

Why do you play football?

I love the game and I love the feeling of playing under the lights. Competing is my favorite part of the game and I love the rush of adrenaline.

Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?

My favorite sports star is Patrick Mahomes. I really admire him because I love watching his mechanics while he plays on Sunday. I love the way he plays and approaches the game.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:

My favorite play of my high school career is when I threw the game sealing touchdown against warwick. It was a screen play to my wide receiver, Angel, who took it 94 yards to the house. It was the first time we beat warwick in 15 years.

What was last years season like for you?

I was behind a great group of guys. My running back was one of the best in the league and my wide receiver core was one of the best in the league in my opinion. Andre Weidman was my running back who contributed in both the passing game and in the running game and was a huge part of the team. My receiving core consisted of Jeremiah Knowles, Nate Conover, Quintin Pfautz, Nick Keller, Evan Boley, and Angel Collazo. We had incredible speed and everyone contributed to the pass game. My line was also a huge part in our teams success this year. Weston Nolt and Cole Freeman were key players on both sides of the ball on the line. It allowed my job to become easier. We went 6-4 during the season and missed play offs by a smidge. One of the best teams I’ve ever played on. There was so much talent.

What are your goals for this coming season?

My goals for this season are 2500 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, and a 70% completion percentage. I also would like to play defense this year and have 25 tackles and 3 interceptions.

Who is the best player you ever lined up against?

The best player I’ve ever lined up against would be Nick del grande. He committed to Costal Carolina last year.

What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?

I would love to visit a Penn State white out game at Beaver Stadium. I’ve been to a game before and I love the energy. I would like to see what it feels like on the field.

What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?

My favorite Pro team is the Pittsburgh Steelers

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?

My favorite game that I watched was this year when the Eagles played the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. I liked it because it was a high scoring game and it was interesting the whole time.

What would you do to improve the recruiting process?

I wish it was easier for colleges to see my film and reach out to me.

Describe what the perfect teammate is

A perfect teammate is someone who always puts the team first. Someone who can always stay positive and stay at zero. Someone who doesn’t get too high on the highs and too low on the lows. The perfect teammate is always someone who encourages their teammates and forces them to do better

Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community

Football is good for the community because everyone can come together for a good game on a Friday night. Football brings people together and it also brings the community together.

Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?

I’d love to get a D1 offer.

Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?

I want to be like my dad. He’s always been there for me and he’s a really hard worker. He also played football and played for Millersville in college.

What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?

My favorite practice drill is throwing 1v1 to the wide receivers. My least favorite practice drill is ball security.

Preseason Two a Days are: 

Two a day practices are fun other than the running. Two a days allow me to put in a ton of reps and bond with my team and the line.

Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?

My grandparents are always supportive of me and always come to my games

When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?

My go-to activity outside of sports is doing something outside. I love to hike.

What is your favorite football memory to date?

Beating Warwick for the first time in 15 years

What is your favorite play to run?

My favorite play to run is smash shoot.

is a hot dog a sandwich?

Yes

Music of choice:

Lil Baby

Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?

The best thing I’ve ever gotten from a teammate is friendship. I’ve made many friends with my teammates and it brings everyone closer as a team.

Best Pizza topping? 

Pepperoni

Which one? Sheetz or Wawa

Wawa

What is your favorite vacation destination?

The Bahamas

Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?

I went to a Steelers game with my dad when I was 6.

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