NFL Draft Profile: Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah

Ameer Abdullah/RB/Nebraska

Coming into Saturday’s matchup with Nebraska, University Miami’s stout rush defense was giving up roughly 1.86 yards per rush, a total that cemented the Hurricanes as one of the top ten rush defense’s in the country. That all changed this past weekend when Nebraska Senior RB Ameer Abdullah rushed for 229 yards and two scores on the ground while adding another reception TD. This performance makes him the second leading rusher in the country, ahead of more talked about prospects such as Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley. Although carrying the title “2nd leading rusher in the country” is certainly a high honor, Abdullah accomplished something much more memorable in this weekend’s game against The U. He passed 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rogers‘ record of most all purpose yards in Nebraska football history with 5,762. That’s an exceptional statistic considering it was accomplished at a storied program like Nebraska.

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With the First Pick

Last season, Abdullah deferred his opportunity to enter the NFL draft, which is a move that is often criticized with the chance of injury and ultimately seeing your draft stock plummet. His theory was as follows, “I have come to realize that life is bigger than football… and that my chances of long-term success in life will be greatly enhanced by completing my college education.”. This is a breath of fresh air considering most prospects cash out when they have the opportunity, and rightfully so. Deferring the NFL might work out in Abdullah’s favor in various ways. His role as a leader on the Nebraska football team, ambition to graduate, and zero traces of off-the-field issues make Abdullah a high character guy that any front office/coaching staff would love to have in their locker room. He is also a serious candidate in the running for the most prestigious single player award in college football, the Heisman. Let’s take a look at Abdullah’s on the field performance and why he will be drafted within the first two rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.

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With the First Pick

Vs. Miami (2014)

• Abdullah uses a jump-cut to avoid a tackler and finishes his run off powerfully
• Misses blocking assignment, needs work in pass blocking situations
• Evades a tackler with use of powerful legs
• Uses good pad level/center of gravity to grind out a couple yards after contact
• Displays reliable hands and takes a screen pass in for a three yard TD
• Makes cuts without losing speed/power to advance upfield with ease
• Scores first TD breaking through crowded run D with good pad level, low center of gravity, and powerful legs.
• Shows he is a true North/South runner, almost could consider him a downhill runner despite is size

NFL Comparison: Giovani Bernard/RB/Cincinnati Bengals

Both Abdullah and Bernard are very similar in terms of size and running style. They both use their smaller frame to their advantage by utilizing a lower center of gravity and low pad level while running like a maniac. Despite their size, these are two of the toughest running backs in college and the NFL respectively. Also, both are instrumental in the pass game and are great pass catchers.

What To Expect In May

Ameer Abdullah is slowly creeping into the conversation for top Running Back in College Football along with Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon but will have an uphill battle when it comes to the NFL Draft process. Abdullah’s small frame won’t hurt him too much considering prior success of smaller backs but it certainly won’t help him. The devaluing of the RB position won’t help him either. Ever since the Browns flopped on the Trent Richardson pick in 2012, GM’s have been hesitant to pull the trigger on backs in round one as none were picked in 2013 and 2014. With that said, I think Abdullah will fall to the early/mid second round to a lucky team that will receive a serious talent and eventual leader.