AMEER ABDULLAH NFL Draft Profile
What you need to know: Was the first running back at Nebraska to record 100-plus yards rushing in his first five starts since 1994. Finished 2012 with 1,137 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns while being named second-team All-Big 10. As a junior, Abdullah ran for 1,690 yards and nine touchdowns while topping 100 yards in 11 of 13 games. Abdullah was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and the team MVP. Weight-room demon awarded “Lifter of the Year” and he has transformed his body since arriving at Nebraska. Team captain and 2013 Academic All-American
Strengths: Aggressive running between tackles. Fights for yards after contact. Doesn’t back down and willing to mix it up with bigger defenders as a blocker.
Despite his quickness he doesn’t rush, he patiently waits for his blockers before exploding into holes. Willing to seek out cutback lanes. Rarely dances to the line or makes unnecessary lateral moves. Not predictable. Has a unique ability to sense oncoming defenders. Elite instincts and flexibility allow him to contort body to avoid major collisions, while also grinding for extra yards at end of runs. Doesn’t miss many creases between tackles. Reads second level better than most. Exploits cutback lanes and makes contain pay when it’s too quick to collapse inside.
One scout said that he gave Abdullah the highest character grade he’s ever given a player. Hard worker on field and in weight room. Kind of player teams want in locker room and in community.Weight-room demon awarded “Lifter of the Year” and he has transformed his body since arriving at Nebraska. Team captain and 2013 Academic All-American. He can help in the kicking game and catch flares and screens out of the backfield, he’s lethal in space.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size that teams look for from a three-down running back. Doesn’t push pile when doesn’t get a seam. Carries ball high and tight, even covering it with two hands in traffic. However, hands are small and he’s simply been unable to keep the ball secure. 13 fumbles over his four years at Nebraska. He’s a willing blocker, but his size makes you wonder if he’s a capable one.
Overall: I have Abdullah as my second rated back. He’s rated much lower by most. Abdullah has the potential to be a difference maker on 3rd downs and special teams immediately. He’s a dynamic runner who will be able to run in between the tackles, especially in a zone blocking scheme.
