Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Football: Freshmen who will make the biggest impact next season

By Zacarias Olvera

PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 29: Head Coach Tom Allen of the Indiana Hoosiers challenges a call against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 29: Head Coach Tom Allen of the Indiana Hoosiers challenges a call against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – NOVEMBER 18: Members of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrate with Rashard Fant #16 of the Indiana Hoosiers after a fumbled punt recovery against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – NOVEMBER 18: Members of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrate with Rashard Fant #16 of the Indiana Hoosiers after a fumbled punt recovery against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Sampson James

The one-time Ohio State commit’s flip to Indiana made him the second highest recruit in Indiana football program history. The 6-foot-1, 212 pound freshman out of Avon, Indiana comes to Bloomington following a successful prep career.

He surpassed the 1,000 yard rushing mark in his final two seasons at Avon High School and averaged over 100 yards rushing per game. He finished with a six yard average per rushing attempt for his high school career.

Joining a talented and strong running back core led by sophomores Stevie Scott and Ronnie Walker, Sampson James provides another powerful back with great size at his position for Coach Allen to utilize in the offense.

James is a powerful runner who always looks to run downhill, using his strength and agility to make it difficult for defenders to get him down.

Stevie Scott accounted for 60 percent of the team’s total rushing yards last season, which is a heavy work load for anyone, especially a true freshman running back in the Big Ten. James will provide relief to Scott with the opportunity to compete with Scott and Walker for more carries.

In the Big Ten, it’s always a luxury to have too many talented running backs, and now Indiana can fit that mold as well, with a great deal of depth to run out there.

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