Abu Sama kicked off his senior season at the high school level with a 72-yard touchdown run. That was before following it up with three more trips to the end zone.
The two-way player is one of 19 commits to Iowa State’s 2023 recruiting class, which has the potential to be the highest-rated class in program history.
“It felt great,” Sama said of his week one performance. “I’ve been putting in a lot of work and just to see it paying off makes me really happy. I get to make my brothers and my parents proud, so that’s been great.”
Sama is a force to be reckoned with and says he’s been establishing a relationship with the coaching staff at Iowa State before he makes the transition after the year.
“It’s been really good, especially with me and (cornerbacks coach Matt) Caponi,” Sama said. “It’s just building relationships so that when I do get down there, it’s already taken care of. I’m just ready to play, make the team better and (make) the transition to Iowa State.”
Sama will also be at Iowa State’s season opener on Saturday.
While Sama was making noise on the offensive side of the ball Friday night, he is being recruited to play at the cornerback position in Ames.
He says he’s game to play wherever needed, though.
“Yeah, if they needed me on offense, I’d definitely play and if they need me on defense I’ll play there,” Sama said. “Wherever they need me. I like playing defensive back – not many players go out for DB.”
He’s focusing majorly on defense, as most players would be when they’re recruited as a defensive back.
The main goal for Sama is to collect more interceptions this year.
“I’m approaching it one game at a time, for sure,” Sama said. “I’ve been making tackles, but I haven’t really made that many picks, so that’s definitely a goal. It would be good to get some more of those.”
Sama and the defending state champion SE Polk Rams will take on West Des Moines Valley Friday night – each team coming into the game with a 1-0 record.
The Tigers are led by all-around talent and wide receiver Ayden Price, who Sama has studied on film this week.
“Aiden Price is a really good player,” Sama said. “I’ve been mostly looking at their offense to see what I’ll be up against on defense.”
Although he won’t guard Price the entire game, the matchup will be one to watch at the high school level Friday night.
