Pitt Running Back Turns Heads at Pro Day

Running back may not be the glamorous position it once was in the NFL, but it still produces no shortage of amazing athletes. Earlier this afternoon, Pitt running back Israel Abanikanda made his case for the most explosive back in the 2023 NFL Draft with an astonishing pro day.

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

Abanikanda recorded blazing fast 40-yard dashes that clocked in as low as 4.27 seconds by some measurements. He also managed massive numbers in the vertical leap (41") and broad jump (10'8"). All three would have led all backs at this year's combine.

Measuring in at 5'10" and 216 lbs, Abanikanda has ideal measurables for an NFL running back. Unfortunately, he didn't have the production or play for the program that would make him a high pick. He accumulated 2531 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns over 30 appearances with the Pitt Panthers, peaking last year with an impressive 1431 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns. He could be a powerful, punishing day-two addition to a discerning team.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports