Samson Nacua Explained

Samson Nacua
Current Team:New Orleans Saints
Number:89
Position:Wide receiver
Birth Date:20 January 1998
Birth Place:Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lb:206
High School:Timpview (Provo, Utah)
College:Utah (2016–2020)
BYU (2021)
Undraftedyear:2022
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Statlabel1:Receptions
Statlabel2:Receiving yards
Statlabel3:Receiving touchdowns

Samson Lionel Nacua (born January 20, 1998) is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes.

Early life

Nacua attended high school at Timpview. Coming out of high school, Nacua decided to commit to play college football for the Utah Utes as a walk-on.[1] [2]

College career

Utah

In the 2016 season, During the offseason, Nacua earned a scholarship and used the season to redshirt.[3] During Nacua's first collegiate season in 2017, he notched 29 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown.[4] In the 2018 season, Nacua hauled in 31 receptions for 362 yards and five touchdowns.[5] During the 2019 season, Nacua played in all 14 games for the Utes, totaling 18 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns.[6] In the 2020 season, Nacua played in just two games where he made four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown.[7] After the conclusion of the 2020 season, Nacua decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[8] [9]

BYU

Nacua decided to transfer to play for the BYU Cougars with his brother Puka.[10] [11] In Nacua's final collegiate season in 2021, he played in all 13 games for BYU where he tallied 21 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns.[12]

Professional career

Indianapolis Colts

After not being selected in the 2022 NFL draft, Nacua signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent.[13] [14] However, Nacua was released by the Colts on August 30, 2022, during final roster cuts.[15] [16]

Pittsburgh Maulers

After being released by the Colts, Nacua signed with the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL, where he played in two games.[17] [18]

Michigan Panthers

For the 2024 season, Nacua signed with the Michigan Panthers of the UFL where he notched 11 receptions for 125 yards.[19] [20]

New Orleans Saints

On August 2, 2024, Nacua signed with the New Orleans Saints, returning back to the NFL.[21] [22]

Personal life

Nacua has three brothers who all played football, his two oldest Kai and Isaiah both played for the BYU Cougars, where Kai eventually went on to play in the NFL. His younger brother Puka played college football with him at BYU and is currently a pro bowl wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.[23] [24]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Phibbs . Trevor . Utah football gets commitment from Timpview WR/DB Samson Nacua . The Salt Lake Tribune . 3 January 2016 . 3 August 2024.
  2. Web site: Roberts . Shane . Utes pick up commitment from ATH Samson Nacua . BlockU.com . 2 January 2016 . 3 August 2024.
  3. Web site: Harper . Mitch . BYU Football Goes Into Transfer Portal Lands WR Brothers Puka, Samson Nacua . KSL Sports . 9 March 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  4. Web site: Kragthorpe . Kurt . 'Bigger and better' than the Utes? Samson Nacua explains his support of his USC-bound brother . The Salt Lake Tribune . 5 August 2018 . 3 August 2024.
  5. Kostecka . Ryan . Utah Wide Receiver Samson Nacua Enters NCAA Transfer Portal . Sports Illustrated . 28 February 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  6. Web site: Allen . Trevor . Utah WR Samson Nacua Enters Name Into NCAA Transfer Portal . KSL Sports . 27 February 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  7. Web site: Furlong . Josh . Utes senior WR Samson Nacua enters transfer portal . KSL News . 3 August 2024.
  8. Web site: Newman . Josh . Utah's Samson Nacua enters NCAA Transfer Portal, making it two Utes wide receivers leaving this month . The Salt Lake Tribune . 26 February 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  9. Web site: McDonald . Ryan . Utah Utes WR Samson Nacua in transfer portal . Desert News . 26 February 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  10. Web site: Newman . Josh . Wide receivers Samson and Puka Nacua left Utah and Washington, respectively. They're transferring to BYU . The Salt Lake Tribune . 9 March 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  11. Web site: McDonald . Ryan . Puka, Samson Nacua announce they're transferring to BYU . Desert News . 8 March 2021 . 3 August 2024.
  12. Web site: McCombs . Robby . BYU WR Samson Nacua Signs UDFA Contract With Colts . Vanquish The Foe . 30 April 2022 . 3 August 2024.
  13. Web site: Reynolds . Kevin . BYU wide receiver Samson Nacua signs with NFL's Indianapolis Colts . The Salt Lake Tribune . 30 April 2022 . 3 August 2024.
  14. Web site: Ireland . Kyle . BYU WR Samson Nacua Reportedly Signs UDFA Deal With Colts . KSL Sports . 30 April 2022 . 3 August 2024.
  15. Web site: Hickey . Kevin . Indianapolis Colts roster cuts: The 27 players who didn't make it . Colts Wire . 30 August 2022 . 3 August 2024.
  16. Web site: Holt . Chandler . New Orleans Saints Sign Former BYU WR Samson Nacua . KSL Sports . 3 August 2024.
  17. Kirschenbaum . Alex . Rams News: Puka Nacua's Brother Signs on with NFC South Squad . Sports Illustrated . 3 August 2024.
  18. Mosley . Kyle . Saints Shake Up Roster: Backup QB Released, New Receiver Signed . Sports Illustrated . 3 August 2024.
  19. Web site: Sullivan . Tyler . Who is Samson Nacua? Get to know Puka's older brother who just signed with this NFL team during training camp . CBS Sports . 3 August 2024.
  20. Miller . Anthony . Michigan Panthers Receiver Lands with New Orleans Saints . Sports Illustrated . 3 August 2024.
  21. Web site: Johnson . Luke . August 2, 2024 . The Saints have released a QB in order to sign an NFL star's brother at receiver . 3 August 2024 . NOLA.com.
  22. Web site: Alper . Josh . August 2, 2024 . Saints release Nathan Peterman, sign WR Samson Nacua . 3 August 2024 . NBC Sports.
  23. Web site: Gonzalaz . Norma . Why did Samson and Puka Nacua leave their respective P5 football programs to play for BYU? It was all about family. . The Salt Lake Tribune . 3 August 2024.
  24. Web site: Sigler . John . August 2, 2024 . Saints sign Samson Nacua, brother of Rams star Puka Nacua . 3 August 2024 . Saints Wire. USA Today.