Next Great Cyclone RB Abu Sama Makes Doak Walker Watch List

© Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal/USA TODAY SPORTS

The Doak Walker Watch List was released Aug. 6, with many prestigious running backs being named to the list of players to watch for during the upcoming season. One of those running backs was Iowa State Cyclone sophomore Abu Sama III.

About Abu Sama III

Sama, a Des Moines, Iowa, native, burst onto the scene as a true freshman, being named to the 247Sports True Freshmen All-America Team last year. He played in nine games for the Cyclones last year, splitting carries with Eli Sanders and Cartevious Norton.

Though he played the least amount of games between the three backs, Sama was the Cyclones' leading rusher, running for a staggering 7.3 yards per carry, a freshman single-season school record. He rushed for a total of 614 yards and 6 touchdowns, placing third on the all-time list for Iowa State freshmen in both categories. Sama also caught 7 passes for 51 yards, which gave him a grand total of 665 yards from scrimmage on the year.

While these numbers aren't eye-popping, Sama showcased his potential during the last regular season game against the Kansas State Wildcats, where he carried the ball just 16 times but ran for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns, garnering a whopping 17.3 yards per carry. His production is expected to increase heavily given his demonstrated ability and the departure of fellow lead running backs Sanders and Norton.

Sama's Impact on Iowa State

Sama will be the lead back for the Cyclones heading into 2024, but he will have depth behind him, with fellow sophomore Carson Hansen, senior Eastern Michigan transfer Jaylon Jackson and freshman Dylan Lee.

"When we have been able to run the ball with great success, we have been a really dynamic football team," Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said during Big 12 Conference Media Days.

"It's a really young group, you're talking two true freshmen a year ago ... we did pick up a veteran in Jaylon Jackson,"Campbell said. "When you talk about the growth of that room, we think it may be as talented top to bottom as we've had at Iowa State. To watch that room take a huge step forward is going to be critical."

Sama will perhaps be the most critical piece to that room being at its full potential. His success will bring a balanced, dynamic attack to the Iowa State offense.

As for the rest of the Cyclones' offensive attack, Sama and the running back room certainly will not have to go at it alone. They have a great supporting cast in quarterback Rocco Becht, receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins and tight end Benjamin Brahmer. The Cyclone offensive line also returns four starters. Overall, Iowa State returns the most production out of any team in the nation, with Sama being a crucial part of that.

Hometown Hero

Sama enters a deep talent pool with this Doak Walker Watch List, with him being one of the youngest backs on it. He joins the many Big 12 running backs that have also been named to the watch list.

The chances of Sama being crowned the winner of the award will hinge on how big of a role he can play in this strong Iowa State offense and how many carries he can command. Should he be able to be the dominant force on the Cyclone offense, a la David Montgomery or Breece Hall, he will be well within contention. To be named on this watch list as only a sophomore, however, is a massive accomplishment and Iowa State fans can expect great things from this young hometown hero.