“Israel Abanikanda is a tough, strong runner with great balance, speed and acceleration. He doesn’t go down on first contact, and once he breaks the first level, good luck catching him.”

Brian Ellis

Head Coach Head coach at Canarsie Educational Campus

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot, 195-pound senior running back and defensive back rushed for 1,350 yards and 20 touchdowns on 136 carries this past season, leading the Railsplitters (7-5) to the Public School Athletic League semifinals. Abanikanda also caught 13 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns, and averaged 36.3 yards per kickoff return. He made 30 tackles on defense and intercepted two passes. An All-City and All-State selection, he was named New York City Offensive Player of the Year as a junior.

Academic Achievement

Abanikanda has maintained a B-plus average in the classroom. He has verbally committed to play football on scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh next fall.

Exemplary Character

Also a track and field standout, Abanikanda has volunteered locally on behalf of winter coat and food-donation drives for the needy, a soup kitchen and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.