Sam Ojuri begins his fifth season with the Illinois State staff working with the team's running backs in 2024.

The Redbird running attack, led by MVFC Newcomer of the Year Mason King, offensive line unit that allowed the fewest sacks in the MVFC with just 7 on the year, ranked third in the league with 197.5 yards per game on the ground, including a season-high 345 yards against Murray State. The Redbirds also ranked third in the league in total offense with 433.5 yards per contest and third in scoring.

Prior to Illinois State, Ojuri spent 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.

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 wife, Danielle, reside in Normal with their two children, Aliyah and Samson.