[GoRU]

Index Journal | Greenwood, SC | Sports

Clocked at 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash and standing 6-foot-5, Montgomery has measurable assets that have helped make him a standout defensive end. But defensive line coach Dennis Thomas said there’s something else that has worked in Montgomery’s favor on the football field.

“I think Sam’s motor runs pretty much better than anyone we’ve had since I’ve been at Greenwood,” Thomas said. “He’s a hard-nosed player, and I think once Sam realized his athletic ability -- his total strength -- he could dominate somebody, and just go out an play football, I think he became a real football player.”

After becoming a real football player, colleges started taking notice.

Dula credited the program’s traditional strength with helping earn Montgomery the college attention he’s received. He also said with college coaches expected at spring practice to watch Montgomery, he could help out his teammates just the same.

Based on one season of varsity football, Montgomery has earned scholarship offers from Southern California, Clemson, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Miami, Florida State, Maryland, North Carolina State, North Carolina and Duke.