NFL Draft Scout
Featured In/On:
Israel Abanikanda, DS #999 RB, Pittsburgh 
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Name: Israel Abanikanda
College: Pittsburgh Number: 2
Height: 5-10 Weight: 200
Position: RB Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: So/2024
40 Low: 4.42 40 Time: 4.52 40 High: 4.60
Projected Round: Stock: 
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Combine Invite:
Height: 5096
Weight: 200
Zybek PD3X AKA "Official"
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Height: 5096
Weight: 200
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Data Scout Notes: 2020: NAC
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Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh, Player News
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Andre Powell has been coaching running backs about a decade longer than any of his Pitt players have been alive. He can teach the proper method to follow blocks, encourage them to break tackles and stress the importance of protecting the quarterback. But some players come equipped with certain skills that Pitt's seventh-year running backs coach can only sit back and enjoy.From all accounts, sophomore Izzy Abanikanda is one of those players. At least, that's the type of player the coaching staff i s hoping to see as training camp progresses. "I can't coach a guy to be really fast. I can't coach a guy to be really strong," Powell said. "He has some of those of things." The buzzword around camp is "explosiveness" when the subject turns to Abanikanda , who is atop the running back pecking order after less than a week of camp. To be clear, coach Pat Narduzzi hasn't promised Abanikanda will be Pitt's starting running back Sept. 4 in the opener against UMass. But if camp evolves the way Narduzzi expects , Abanikanda will get more than his share of touches. "He sees a hole, he takes it," right guard Jake Kradel said. "He takes it for about 15-20 yards, and he's gone." - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
(DS#999 RB) So/2024  RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
News Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
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Two players pushing starters for playing time were named the most improved players during Pitt's spring drills. Running back Izzy Abanikanda and senior outside linebacker John Petrishen (Lower Burrell/Central Catholic) were chosen on both sides of the ba ll by coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff. The announcement was made Saturday prior to the Blue Gold game at Heinz Field. Abanikanda (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) flashed his speed in the truncated spring drills of 2020, but played sparingly as a freshman, carryi ng 28 times for 95 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a touchdown pass in the Boston College game. His playing time was limited as he learned the demands and nuances of playing running back at the collegiate level.After Narduzzi all but named V incent Davis his starting running back at the start of spring drills this year, Abanikanda started catching the coach's eyes with improved pass blocking and ball-carrying abilities. Now, there will be intense summer camp competition for Pitt's starting r unning back job. "Izzy has taken major strides in becoming a complete back," Narduzzi said in a statement. "His ability to run was always apparent. This spring he made excellent progress in his protections and overall assignments. Izzy is really putting it all together and it is exciting to see." - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
(DS#999 RB) So/2024 RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
News Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
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Narduzzi said he won't abandon the running game, which repeatedly has failed this season. "We are going to continue to try and, eventually, just keep pounding that rock, pounding that rock," he said. "The first hit might not make it, but after that 115th , 200th, 2,000th hit on that stone, that thing will crack open. "We have to continue to push and work to dig through that thing." Pitt is ranked 93rd of 102 teams nationwide and 14th of 15 in the ACC, with an average of 98 rushing yards per game. Izzy Ab anicanda has only 11 carries in the past four games, but Narduzzi remains patient with his freshman running back. "It's day by day. He's still a puppy," he said. "Sometimes, it just takes a little longer. It's a process and you have to trust the process, whether it's in the run game or having patience with your players. He's a great kid." - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
(DS#999 RB) So/2024 RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
News Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
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