Abu Sama

Abu Sama's Biography

Abu Sama III is a formidable force on the field, making waves as an American football running back for the Iowa State Cyclones. Born on May 27, 2005, in Des Moines, Iowa, Sama possesses an intriguing international heritage – his father hails from Sierra Leone and his mother is a native of Liberia. Both parents endured and survived the turmoil of the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars, a testimony of their resilience that has undoubtedly influenced Sama’s enduring spirit on the football field.

Sama’s journey into football started at Southeast Polk High School in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Here, he was not only a football standout but also left his mark in the arena of track and field. He showcased notable consistency, winning the state long jump championships for three consecutive years, from 2021 to 2023. By breaking the all-time state record in this event, Sama proved that he was as adept on the track as he was on the football field.

On the gridiron, his junior year saw him excel in both offense and defense. Playing as a defensive player, Sama clocked in an impressive 20 tackles. Simultaneously, his offensive performance saw him achieving 931 yards and notching 12 touchdowns. His commendable skills aided Southeast Polk in bagging the state championship.

His following season carried the momentum, with Sama boasting a brag-worthy 1,408 yards and a whopping 28 touchdowns. He also demonstrated impressive efficiency, averaging over 10 yards per touch. Sama’s high school career culminated in a breathtaking performance, with 372 rushing yards and six touchdowns at the state title game. His performance was instrumental in securing Southeast Polk’s second consecutive championship, and he even set state title game records in both categories.

Sama ended his high-school career on a high note. He bagged prestigious titles such as the Des Moines Register Player of the Year and the Gatorade Iowa Player of the Year. He was also named first-team all-state, which further testified to his consistent excellence on the field. His commendable skills made him a much sought-after recruit, eventually choosing to commit to the Iowa State Cyclones, despite numerous other college football offers.

Sama commenced his college career at Iowa State with an impressive start as a true freshman in 2023. He showed outstanding talent, averaging 7.3 yards across 84 rushes for a total of 614 yards. Sama also accomplished six touchdowns. Sama’s apex came against the 19th-ranked Kansas State, in a match that boasted his first starting position. In this game, he achieved stellar statistics running for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Not only did this secure an upset win, but it also led to his performance being the fourth-most in a single game in the school’s history, unparalleled for a freshman. On account of this remarkable feat, Sama was fittingly named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week and the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week. A career that began in the halls of Southeast Polk high now shines on the fields of Iowa State and looks set to reach even greater heights.