Minnesota State University - Mankato Athletics

2024: Played in all 15 games, including 10 starts…Led the Mavericks rushing attack with 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns…Became just the 13th player in MSU history to record at least 1,000 rushing yards in a season…Named to the All-NSIC First Team and the NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year…Rushed for more than 100 yards in four games, including a season-high 159 yards against Wayne State…Tallied 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns vs. Valdosta State in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament…Also caught 17 passes for 194 yards…Tallied 140 kick return yards.

2023: Appeared in two games...Rushed for 67 yards, including 61 hards against Minot State.

High School: A four-sport athlete from Chatfield, Minn., Sam Backer competed in football, basketball, baseball and track and field at Chatfield High School…Helped his team to three conference championships…Won a state championship during his junior season and finished second during his senior season…Finished his career with more than 7,000 career rushing yards…Earned two section MVP honors and three all-section honors…Named to the honor roll.

Personal: Sam is the son of Scott Backer and Jennifer Backer-Johnson…Born September 27, 2004…Intends to major in exercise science.