Wisconsin's Abu Sama Shines in 10th Spring Practice

Badgers running back continues to impress with physical, versatile play during padded session.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Wisconsin Badgers football game, with sharp planes of red, white, and black overlapping to create a fractured, multi-perspective view of the action on the field.Wisconsin's spring football practice showcases the team's offensive firepower and defensive depth as they build towards the upcoming season.Madison Today

Wisconsin held its 10th spring football practice on April 18 at Camp Randall Stadium, with senior running back Abu Sama standing out with several impressive touchdown runs. Sama showcased his ability to run between the tackles as well as break runs to the outside, scoring on a 25-yard scamper and a 20-yard burst up the middle. The practice also featured strong defensive plays from sophomore linebacker Jon Jon Kamara and junior transfer defensive lineman Stylz Blackmon.

Why it matters

As the Badgers prepare for the upcoming season, the continued development of their running game and defensive depth will be crucial. Sama's performance highlights the team's offensive firepower, while the emergence of players like Kamara and Blackmon suggests the defense is also making strides during spring workouts.

The details

The two-hour practice included a lot of live tackling and was attended by many high school coaches in town for the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association convention. Sama, a 5-foot-11, 211-pound senior, had touchdown runs of around 25 yards to the outside and 20 yards up the middle, showcasing his physical running style. Sophomore linebacker Jon Jon Kamara also stood out, delivering a big hit to break up a pass, while junior transfer defensive lineman Stylz Blackmon continued to impress the coaching staff with his high football IQ and athleticism.

  • The practice took place on April 18, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

The players

Abu Sama

A 5-foot-11, 211-pound senior running back for the Wisconsin Badgers who had several impressive touchdown runs during the team's 10th spring practice.

Jon Jon Kamara

A sophomore linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers who made a big hit to break up a pass during the team's 10th spring practice.

Stylz Blackmon

A 6-foot-4, 316-pound junior transfer defensive lineman from Division II Augustana who is impressing the Wisconsin coaching staff with his high football IQ and athleticism.

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What they’re saying

“'He's really, really high football IQ, really good feet, great flexibility. I mean, he can do the splits and all that. That has disadvantages and advantages, but he's just been awesome.'”

— Eric Mateos, Offensive Line Coach

The takeaway

With the continued strong play of running back Abu Sama and the emergence of defensive contributors like Jon Jon Kamara and Stylz Blackmon, the Wisconsin Badgers appear to be making positive strides during spring practice as they prepare for the upcoming season.