Samori Toure is no stranger to success. He was a record-setting wide receiver at Westview High School in Portland, Oregon. During his final season in Missoula as a member of the University of Montana, Toure set the program record for receiving yards in a season. In his lone season at Nebraska, Toure led the Big 10 in yards per reception (19.5) and matched the program record for 100-yard receiving games in a season (five).
The seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft played sparingly during his rookie season for the Green Bay Packers, logging just 112 snaps on offense. Toure made the most of his opportunity, catching five passes for 82 yards and one touchdown. While most will remember the touchdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football, it was the fourth down catch against the Detroit Lions in November that flashed Toure’s playmaking ability.
Thus far this offseason, Toure has drawn praise from general manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, and wide receiver coach Jason Vrable.
With snaps up for grabs behind fellow second-year wide receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, Toure is a candidate to enjoy a potential breakout campaign catching passes from Jordan Love.
“I feel like I’ve made a big jump. I think that’s something that’s been consistent with me, even throughout college,” Toure said following OTAs on Wednesday. “I’ve been able to make a lot of progress throughout each year. It’s just a matter of being comfortable in the system…It’s about learning from your mistakes…I think I can build on what I did last year.”
Toure is not lying. After redshirting, Toure caught 31 passes for 553 yards and five touchdowns in 2017 for the Griz. Toure’s receptions took an uptick in 2018, but his yards and touchdowns regressed (37/440/2). He enjoyed a monster season in 2019. Toure recorded 87 receptions and set the program record for receiving yards in a season (1,495). The Oregon native also caught 13 touchdown passes. During his lone season in Lincoln, Toure caught 46 passes for 898 yards and five touchdowns.
Toure is planning to follow the same flight path this season for the Packers. The opportunity is there for him and he knows it’s up to him to make the most of those reps.
“I’m grateful for being able to see the field at all last year and for the opportunities that I did have,” Toure said. “Obviously I would have liked more, but that’s my chance this year to build on that and be more involved.”
Toure’s been a playmaker and record-setter at each level. Bet against him at your own risk.
