Victor Abiamiri worked out for the Baltimore Ravens a few weeks ago as he prepared for the NFL draft.
On Saturday, the former Gilman and Notre Dame defensive end found out he would get to remain close to home, albeit a few hours north on Interstate 95 after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the second round.
Abiamiri, whose brother Rob is a tight end on Baltimore?s practice squad, said he is excited about getting the opportunity to play pro football and was pleased with where he got drafted.
“Going into the draft, I came in with a very open mind of being able to go anywhere,” Abiamiri said during a press conference Sunday. “I knew anything could happen in the draft. A lot of things happened [Saturday] that nobody could have predicted. My thing was I just wanted to play. I just wanted to get drafted, know where I was going to be and I really just wanted to play. Now, having that solidified and being able to come to Philadelphia is very reassuring to me.”
The 6-foot-4, 267-pound player recorded 43 tackles and 10.5 sacks for Notre Dame last season. He joins a Philadelphia team that made the Super Bowl three years ago. Last season, the Eagles went 10-6, won the NFC East before losing to the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round of the playoffs.
“I know the fans here are awesome,” Abiamiri said. “It?s a great organization and coach. You know that from watching on TV. You can see the atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field] every time you turn on the TV. It?s a great place to play, and I am very pumped about being able to play for this city.”
Abiamiri said he would like the opportunity to play right away, but added that he would be willing to play in a reserve role while he learns from veteran defensive ends like Jevon Kearse and Trent Cole.
“I can go in early and compete, but at the same time be able to be a sponge and soak up everything,” he said.
