2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah Abraham, SS, Western Oregon University

• Name: Isaiah Abraham 
• Position: SS/Rover Hybrid 
• College: Western Oregon University 
• Height:  6’1
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: Isaiah_A22
• Instagram: zey_abraham 

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

I believe what makes me a top prospect in this year’s class is my versatility to play multiple positions. At Western Oregon I’ve played safety, corner, nickel, outside backer/SS as well as played on every special teams unit except PAT. I believe my athletic ability and versatility gives me an edge over other prospects who may be locked into only one position. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

My interest in football began when I started playing back in the 4th grade. My father also played football at Western Oregon and that definitely helped spark my love for the game. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I love to compete regardless of the odds and I have a very strong work ethic. No matter what’s thrown at me I know I’ll always make it through. I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my college career alone and I still managed to make a name for myself.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would help save lives through melanoma research. My uncle passed away from melanoma cancer in 2017. It’s something I would love to see a cure for. I really wish he could be here today to see how far I’ve come! 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is to control what you can control. I received this advice from my father and my coach Arne Ferguson. You can always control your attitude, effort and your actions. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero’s growing up would definitely be my parents. When I was younger my parents didn’t have a lot but they always made sure I had what I needed and more, regardless of the sacrifices they had to make. There were nights when I was still hungry and they would give me seconds before they ate without me knowing, even if there was little to no food left for them to eat. As I got older I started to really notice the things that they did for me to allow me to have a happy and normal childhood. I will forever be grateful for them and all they’ve done to get me where I am today. They definitely have shown me what it means to make sacrifices and tough decisions for the sake of the ones you truly love and care for. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

I would have to say Damon Hickok or Austin Bacher are the most underrated teammates in our locker room. Both of those dudes are athletes that definitely have the talent and build to play at the next level. Both of them are offensive guys so it’s been a lot of fun being able to compete and battle with them in practice and the off-season over these past couple of years.  

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is negative people and people who have a terrible attitude towards others. It doesn’t take much at all to be polite and smile when interacting with others. A simple thank you or smile can go a long way when someone else is having a tough day. You never know what they may be going through. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I would have to say Mr. Wakefield (5th grade) or Mr. White (high school). Both of those teachers made me enjoy coming to school or their class everyday, and helped me stay motivated to do good in school.  Those two are definitely teachers that left a mark on me that I won’t forget. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

I would probably say when I had a severe ankle sprain during the middle of my junior year. It caused a lot of D1 schools to move on from me even though it wasn’t that extreme of an injury. I just put my head down and went really hard in rehab and came back for the first round of playoffs and had a sack, several tackles, and two interceptions my first game back. Even though it was a tough time, pushing through that adversity and persevering made me way more mentally tough, and I showed to myself what I can do if I really put my mind to it. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

I’m a fourth generation Western Oregon student in my family so it’s definitely cool to be able to keep that tradition going while playing the game I love. My dad also played baseball and football here in the 90’s which makes it even more special to me. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

If I had to choose a franchise restaurant to have in my house it would probably have to be Five Guys. In my opinion you can never go wrong  with a Five Guys’ burger and a brown bag loaded with their fries. Definitely one of my favorites. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Almost any type of fruit would have to be my favorite snack. That is one thing I never get tired of and could eat all day if I had to. 

What is your degree in? 

Due to having an extra year in college with COVID, I took advantage of that and now have a BS in business, and a BA in communications. Definitely something I’m proud of!

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

Athletic, versatile, and a hard nose grinder. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

If I were to compare myself to a player in the NFL it would be either Derwin James or Jamal Adams. A physical safety that can play deep due to my safety/DB experience, as well as in the box due to playing a lot of SS/OLB these last two seasons. 

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

I would have to say my favorite game would be any game where I can play with or against another person. The competition always makes it a lot more fun for me. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

I would have to say my uncle Brain who passed away from cancer back in 2017. I know he’s still watching from above, but it would be awesome to be able to talk to him face to face again and update him on everything going on in my life. Sean Taylor would be another person just because he was a DUDE who I looked up to in the football world when I was just falling in love with the game. The last person would have to be Warren Buffet, and the reason being financial literacy is priceless! It would be awesome to be able to pick his brain about that topic.