AMES, Iowa — 16 carries. 272 yards. 3 touchdowns.
Some might refer to Abu Sama's November stats against Kansas State as "video game numbers."
New Offensive Coordinator Taylor Mouser has gotten to put up some video game numbers with his running back.
"I am so good with him in NCAA, the video game right now, it's ridiculous," Mouser said. "So it's like a good reminder for me of how good that guy is. Because if he could be half as good as I am with him in the video game, you know, then I think he has a chance to be really special."
Of course, that's a tongue-in-cheek answer from Mouser, but he did get to see Sama's real ceiling late last season.
While Sama had some big games including that breakout in the snow at Kansas State, he also had games with very little impact, including just 12 rushes for 4 yards in the Liberty Bowl.
"I think the fun thing that you do challenge Abu in is his growth as a football player, because you see the spurts of excellence. How do we repeatedly get ourselves into that," said head coach Matt Campbell. "He's learning to become a great football player. And that's the thing I really love about him, because he's also got that willingness and curiosity to ask the question of, 'Coach, how do I get better? Where do I need to get myself better?'"
Sama feels that he's made strides to more consistency in the off-season.
"I definitely improved, like, on my body weight, just learning the plays overall, just being comfortable when I get in the game, and with my teammates building that bond."
Mouser hopes to help Sama make a sophomore jump.
"I think just going into year two and continuing to challenge him and putting him in positions to fail and struggle and grow, and we're going to have those," Mouser said. "As a freshman, you don't know what you don't know, and you kind of go out there and play ball, but can he understand the big picture of what we want to do."
Iowa State kicks off its season against North Dakota on Aug. 31 at Jack Trice Stadium.