Abanikanda scores in debut picking up where he left off last season scoring 21 total touchdowns for Pitt

Published August 4rd, 12:34 EDT
by Bo Marchionte

Canton, OH – The Pitt Panthers opened their training camp on Wednesday and one day later ex-Panthers running back Israel “Izzy” Abanikanda was taking his first snaps in the National Football League in the first preseason game of the 2023 season.

Abanikanda, the New York Jets fifth round pick in 2023 was making his debut against the Cleveland Browns in the Hall of Fame Game. Aware of his former college teammates and coaches having their training camp underway and he was assured his Panthers teammates would be watching his NFL debut.

“It feels special,” Abanikanda said after his first NFL action. “It definitely feels special. They’re going through camp right now. So, I know they were watching. I got to put something on for them.”

On the Jets first offensive series Abanikanda ran the ball for five yards. He carried the bulk of the team’s carries in the first half (eight) and finished with nine carries for 27 yards and one touchdown. A modest night in production where he flashed some of his signature moves that helped him earn first team All-ACC honors last season.

“The first carry I had a little jitter,” Abanikanda said. “But after I got tackled for the first time on the first carry. I just felt like it was football. The same game I’ve been playing since I was four years old.”

Now 20-years old this Brooklyn, New York native would do what he was doing at four, five, or 20 years of age. That is to score touchdowns.

“Celebrating with my teammates after the touchdown was exciting,” Abanikanda said.

Leading the NCAA last year in scoring (11.6 points per game) off his 21 touchdowns, it looked natural, seeing Abanikanda head around the left side of the line and beat the defender to the end zone. Scoring the game’s first touchdown, Abanikanda’s score put the Jets up 13-0 and against the Browns. However, Cleveland would rally in the second half and win 21-16.

Canton, Ohio provides a rare opportunity for both veterans and rookies to experience the brilliance of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For rookies especially, the idea of taking your first snaps while the bronze busts of every football immortal rest just outside the stadium only amplifies the moment of finally suiting up and competing against another team wearing an NFL uniform.

“It was beautiful,” Abanikanda said of visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “It just motivates. My pops always talked about it when I was a kid. Just being in the Hall was amazing. Definitely when they showed the faces (bronze busts). I want to see my face up there.”

If that goal for Abanikanda comes to fruition. It started tonight in Canton, Ohio.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com