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Football - Iowa

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FOOTBALL

Abu Sama

Running back/defensive back
SOUTHEAST POLK HS
PLEASANT HILL, IOWA
SENIOR
Height: 5-FOOT-10
Press Release

Peak Performance

1408

Rushing Yards

28

Rushing Touchdowns

144

Carries

9

Passes Caught
“Abu Sama can dominate a game like no other player in the state. I have always contended one player can’t beat you in a football game, but he can get as close as any individual I’ve seen for a while.”
Gary Swenson
Head Coach - Valley High head coach Gary Swenson
excellence star

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-10, 196-pound senior running back led the Rams to a 12-1 record and the Class 5A state championship this past season. Sama rushed for 1,408 yards and 28 touchdowns on 144 carries, averaging 9.8 yards per attempt, and caught nine passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. He also played defensive back, recording 29 tackles. In Southeast Polk’s 49-14 win over Valley in the 5A state championship game, Sama exploded for 372 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, both state title-game records.

a graduation cap

Academic Achievement

Sama has maintained a B average in the classroom. At the time of his selection, he’d made a verbal commitment to play football on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.

first place ribbon

Exemplary Character

Sama has volunteered locally with the Genesis Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps immigrant families in the Des Moines area. He also has donated his time organizing weekly workouts for at-risk Des Moines youth who express an interest in sports.