Player: Israel Abanikanda

School: Pitt

Measurables:

• Height: 5”11
• Weight: 215
• 40:

• Bench:
• Vertical Jump:
• Broad Jump:
• 3 Cone:
• 20 Yard Shuttle: 
• Other Notes:

Graded Running back Traits:

• Ball Security: 7/10 (Only three fumbles this season but all three were in a short span. One came in crunch time and changed the momentum against UNC)
• Blocking: 6/10 (Willing blocker on the rare times he was asked to do so. Does not seem to have a lot of experience so assume growing pains)
• Burst: 10/10 (Explodes out of the backfield and reaches top gear very quickly)
• Change of Direction: 8/10 (Uses speed to change lanes quickly and can bounce around to find the right direction)
• Durability: 7/10 (Led the ACC in carries which is a sign of his durability but also perhaps a concern about usage. That being said he only had one season with this type of touch numbers)
• Elusiveness: 7/10 (More reliant on his burst to get by defenders but does use a decent juke and spin move when needed to make defenders miss)
• Pass Catching: 6/10 (Ran a lot of routes this year out of the backfield but only had 12 catches to show for it. Did have more last season but nothing suggests he cannot handle an increased role here)
• Power: 6/10 (Keeps legs churning through contact. Will lower the shoulders when required. Speed is the more elite trait but the power is there)
• Speed: 9/10 (Elite speed plain and simple. He can turn on the burners and get by defenders without appearing to try too hard)
• Vision: 9/10 (Only time he really loses yards is when he is swarmed while receiving the carry. Burst is elite and uses it to get through the correct lanes and get through them quickly. Does use some patience when needed to let the play develop)

Prospect Grade: 74/100; 74% (Pro Bowl Potential)

Projected Draft Day: 2

Player Comparison: Tevin Coleman

Player Summary: It is amazing to us that Abanikanda is not getting more attention. Even with a 6 touchdown performance he is not in top rankings for the most part. Put on the tape and you will see elite burst and speed in a 215 pound frame with good change of direction and elusiveness. He led the ACC in yards, touchdowns, and pretty much every rushing statistic. Israel has the makings of an every down back at the next level and we expect him to be a combine standout. Coming out of college Tevin Coleman was highly touted. If not for injuries he may have flirted with the first round and injuries have also impacted what could have been a very good career.