NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State head coach Brock Spack announced an addition to his coaching staff Tuesday, as Sam Ojuri was named the program's new running backs coach.
"Sam brings a great knowledge of the position as a standout collegiate player, a professional in the CFL and as young coach," Spack stated. "Combine those things with his knowledge of the state of Illinois and its recruiting circles and I think he will be a great fit. Coach Craig Bohl put the stamp of approval on Sam as a coach and that goes a long way for me. He brings instants credibility to the position, not only because of what he did on the football field as a player, but also because of the types of programs he's learned from over his career. His work with tight ends, h-backs and fullbacks also gives him better understanding of the blocking schemes and how his backs will fit in the passing game from a protection side."
Ojuri spent the past two seasons as a member of the Wyoming coaching staff as the offensive graduate assistant coach working with the tight ends and fullbacks. Prior to coming to Wyoming to work with his former head coach Craig Bohl, he coached at Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he spent time working with the wide receivers and running backs.
"For me, this was a very easy decision as Illinois State has been a running back factory over the past several years," Ojuri said. "Being from North Dakota State, I am very familiar with the program and its success in the Missouri Valley Football Conference since Coach Spack took over. I think I will be able to bring a lot of energy and insight and have a positive influence on our players which should have a big impact on them. The opportunity to lead the room is something I could not be more grateful for."
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Ojuri experienced great success as a running back himself. After graduating from Barrington High School in Barrington, Ill., in 2009, he was recruited to play at North Dakota State. He rushed for 3,594 yards and 33 touchdowns, while adding 210 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in a stellar career. He was the leading rusher for the Bison on three consecutive National Championship teams (2011, 2012 and 2013) and currently sits as the fourth leading rusher in school history.
In 2014, Ojuri started his professional career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL and went on to play in the 101st Grey Cup. He also spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the British Columbia Lions over three seasons in Canada.
Ojuri graduated with a degree is sports management from NDSU and is currently pursuing his master's degree in education. He and his fiancée, Danielle, have one daughter, Aliyah.
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