Michigan kicker commit Adam Samaha receives U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey: 'Truly blessed and very humbled'
2023 Michigan Wolverines football kicker commit Adam Samaha will officially participate in the Dec. 17 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Ann Arbor (Mich.) Huron product received his game jersey from the bowl at a Wednesday afternoon ceremony in his school’s gymnasium.
“It was an honor. I’m truly blessed and very humbled by it,” Samaha told TheWolverine.com. “It’s a great opportunity ahead of me, and I can’t wait to make the most out of it.”
The On3 Consensus rates Samaha as the No. 6 overall kicker in his class, but a U.S. Army All-American Bowl rep said the game would be hard pressed to find a better player at his position. Former Michigan specialist and elite kicking trainer Brandon Kornblue was involved in the selection process and put in a great word.
“Not only am I excited to play in the game, there are a lot of great players I’m excited to watch in the game, being a spectator until fourth down,” Samaha said. “But it’s an honor. I’m really excited for the game. It’ll be in the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility — a great environment — so can’t wait.”
Samaha was an elite kicker heading into his senior season, which ended with a playoff loss to Saline (Mich.) High Oct. 21. He explained how he’s improved even over the last few months.
“Just consistency, just being able to take — good kick, bad kick, the next kick. Even if the last kick was a good ball, you just gotta move on to the next thing and lock in every rep at a time,” Samaha explained.
Adam Samaha building strong bond with current Michigan Wolverines
Being just down the road from Schembechler Hall, Samaha is frequently on campus, including for his mid-October official visit during the Wolverines’ 41-17 win over Penn State Oct. 15. He’s built strong relationships with graduate kicker Jake Moody, graduate punter Brad Robbins and sophomore specialist Tommy Doman.
“Specifically Jake and Brad, they’ve taken me under their wings and just treated me like a little brother,” the Michigan pledge revealed. “They don’t treat me like, oh, he’s in high school still. They respect my game. Game respects game. They’re great kickers, they’re playing very well this year and I’m really looking up to them.
Added Samaha, of the best advice the veterans have given him: “Just never get too big-headed, and keep your head down and work. Listen to every word that the upperclassmen have, because they have the experience.”
