Every time when running back Israel Abanikanda ripped off a nice gain while at Abaraham Lincoln High School in Coney Island, Brooklyn, the Railsplitters’ announcer would yell out, “Izzy’s getting busy.”
In the New York Jets’ final preseason game against the New York Giants, a 10-6 victory, that is exactly what he did. Abanikanda rushed for 83 yards on nine carries with an impressive 45-yard touchdown run. He added a reception for six yards as well.
That is the type of performance the 21-one-year-old needed to help his case for making the Jets’ 53-man roster, as he stands at the fourth spot at the running back position at the moment.
Abanikanda, who starred at the University of Pittsburgh, totaled 129 yards on 21 touches (6.1 average) with two touchdowns in preseason action.
Abanikanda saw limited action last season, with 22 rushes for 70 yards, and added seven receptions for 43 yards.
But the Jets’ fifth round pick in the 2023 NFL draft broke out against the Giants, making it harder for the Jets’ coaching staff to leave him off the roster. He was breaking tackles and bouncing off Giants defenders in a performance worthy of him making the team.
The rest is up to the football Gods.
— Jerry Del Priore
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 