Israel Abanikanda Turns Heads at Pitt Pro Day

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers had a number of players worth watching at their Pro Day, and with Calijah Kancey being considered a first-round pick, he seemed like the top name on the board for anyone in South Side.

But with 31 of the 32 teams reportedly in attendance, running back Israel Abanikanda stole the show.

Abanikanda came into the Pro Day with mid-round pick consideration. After not running at the NFL Combine due to a hamstring injury, the junior running back turned heads with his speed, running an unofficial 4.41 40-yard dash, with rumbles of as fast as a 4.27 on his second try.

4.27 unofficial for Israel Abanikanda on his second 40 yard dash. #Pitt
— stephen thompson (@stephenethom) March 29, 2023

But this wasn't the beginning or the end. Abanikanda started his afternoon by hitting a 41-inch vertical jump. For comparison, the jump puts him in company with Saquon Barkley and A.J. Dillion -- and defensive star Myles Garrett.

He then landed a 10'8" broad jump, all before participating in drills.

Izzy Abanikanda 🤯 @IAbanikanda

40-yard dash in the 4.3s ⏱️
41" vertical jump ⬆️
10'8" broad jump ➡️

Each would've been among RB leaders at the 2023 @NFL Combine 📈

Watch 💻 https://t.co/av8qwwnsqx #H2P » @NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/8YREx3XIPH
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) March 29, 2023

After his Pro Day performance, Abanikanda could be moving up draft boards. The Pitt record holder leaves the Panthers 2,177 yards and 38 touchdowns, with claims to the program's single-game rushing record of 304 yards held by Tony Dorsett sine 1975.

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