Before the 2022 football season started, Southeast Polk two-way star Abu Sama was being recruited to play defensive back at Iowa State.
However, after an impactful season that saw him earn Iowa All-Iowa Football Player of the Year and finished with a six-touchdown performance in the state championship game, the tune has changed on Sama.
Iowa State wants him to come in and play running back.
“I had a talk with Coach (offensive coordinator Nate) Scheelhaase, Coach (Derek) Hoodjer, and Coach (Matt) Campbell and they really liked how I performed at the running back position,” Sama said.
Sama is fine wherever he ends up, though.
He just wants to help the team.
“I just want to come in and make an impact at Iowa State,” Sama said. “They’ve been talking to me about playing running back. But, if it comes to me playing DB, I’ll be ready.”
Sama’s stock soared as a defensive back as he stepped into his high school career, even though he primarily has played running back from a young age.
“Running back has always been my primary position,” Sama said. “As I grew older and got to high school, I started to lean towards DB a little bit. It gave me a lot of confidence (to hear the coaches talk about playing running back). I’m just trying to do what I can to help this team.”
The Southeast Polk star leaves on Wednesday to travel to Texas and play in Saturday’s US Army Bowl, which showcases some of the nation’s best high school players in an East-West matchup.
He’ll suit up in the backfield.
“I was really excited (when I found out),” Sama said. “I’m excited to play against other top players in the country and get to see where I’m at. I’ve watched it as a kid. I’ve seen it on YouTube with my friends and stuff. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to play on that platform.
Saturday’s game will kick off at 3:00 p.m. in Frisco on Bally Sports Network.
And, if it goes anything like the last game Sama played on the football field, it will raise some eyebrows.
