Christian Sam is back on the field for Arizona State football, but he's the first to admit it's not yet the Christian Sam we remember from 2015.
In two games, the junior linebacker has 15 tackles, second most behind DJ Calhoun with 21, but in trying to be the impact player he was as a sophomore has made some critical mistakes despite his good intentions.
Against New Mexico State, Sam misread a call from defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, leaving a gap in the middle that allowed for a 50-yard touchdown run. Last week on a key third-and-21 in the third quarter, Sam tried to rush the quarterback instead of staying on running back Rashaad Penny, leaving him open for a reception and 33-yard touchdown that boosted San Diego State's lead to 13 points.