Inside The Panthers

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda Met Formally with Five Teams at NFL Combine

Pitt Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda was a popular guy at the NFL Combine.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda Met Formally with Five Teams at NFL Combine
Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda Met Formally with Five Teams at NFL Combine /
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INDIANAPOLIS -- Israel Abanikanda was a catalyst all season long for the Pitt Panthers. In 2022, he accounted for more than 1,500 all-purpose yards and 22 total touchdowns. His FBS-leading 13 touchdown runs of 10 or more yards really made him standout on a national level and led him to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

This week, Abanikanda has been a popular prospect with NFL scouts, coaches and executives. The electric Pitt rusher said he's met with six teams formally and many more informally during his time at the Combine. 

“I had a formal with the Saints, Dallas, the Ravens, Broncos and Miami Dolphins," Abanikanda told reporters during his media availability the day before running backs participated in on-field workouts. 

Abanikada added that he had informal interviews with "a lot of teams". He mentioned the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots specifically. He will not participate in drills this week after suffering what he called a minor hamstring injury last month, but is hoping to show off his football IQ in interviews before demonstrating the physical attributes at Pitt's pro day later this month. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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