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Former Nicholls offensive lineman Abasi Salimu signed with the St. Louis Rams shortly after the 2014 NFL draft, but was cut by the organization and quickly found a new home with the Cleveland Browns as he continues to fight for a spot on the roster.
Every year, hundreds of athletes are brought in to NFL training camps around the league, but only a slim margin actually make the final rosters. If cut, most of them are either unemployed or bouncing from practice squad to practice squad.
Many believe the California native can make his NFL dreams happen because of his work ethic and desire to get better.
“He came in here and he was a true student athlete, Nicholls head coach Charlie Stubbs said. “He had his sights set on getting that degree and we are proud that he graduated in December and he had a great football experience. He came in and helped us on the offensive line and really improved.”
Salimu started every game at left tackle for Nicholls the past two years after transferring from San Jose State. Salimu is now practicing with Browns third team as an offensive guard, but is embracing the change like he has done for his entire career. Salimu originally played on the defensive line, but was moved to offense at San Jose and again at Nicholls.
Former Nicholls offensive line coach Mario Jeberaeel coached Salimu during his junior season season at Nicholls and spoke highly of his former player. Jeberaeel now coaches the offensive line and tight ends, as well as the recruiting coordinator and strength and conditioning coach for University of Arkansas-Monticello.
“I think Abasi understood that he had a lot of work to do,” Jeberaeel said. “He came in with an open mind and wasn’t afraid of all the work. He had a great attitude from day one.”
Aside from his coachability, the one thing that always stood out to Jeberaeel is Salimu’s athleticism.
“Offensive line requires techniques and then the assignment part of the game, different people pick them up with different speeds,” Jeberaeel said. “He picked everything up rather quickly and his athletic ability helped him get through times where his technique wasn’t where it needed to be, but over time that got really good too.”
With the NFL having a 53-man roster once the regular season begins, Stubbs said that NFL scouts look heavily at durability because of those limits.
“Knock on wood, but he has stayed healthy and started every game for us in his two years here,” Stubbs said. “If you have a kid like Abasi who has a great track record and answered the bell every week, then that is a definite plus.”
Salimu said it is a dream to be in the NFL, but feels the pressure every day at practice because of his undrafted rookie status and says that feeds him to work that much harder.
“My spot is nowhere near secure,” Salimu said. “I have to go in everyday like it is my last day because it very well could be my last day. I just have to give everything I got every time.”
Players and fans hear about how much the game changes jumping from high school to college then college to the professional level, but Salimu said the NFL is a different beast trying to adjust to that.
“It is much harder to transition because the speed is so much faster. Going from high school to college, it was easier because you can be more physically ready coming out of high school,” Salimu said. “The NFL pressure is much higher so you have to be on top of your game everyday.”
Several experiences in the NFL have helped him along the way starting with the other lineman he has played with both in Cleveland and in St. Louis. He said everyone has been more than willing to help. It is a “friendly-competitive” atmosphere.
“On the offensive line, we can’t afford to be selfish and keep to ourselves because if something goes wrong, we will all look bad,” Salimu said.
Another aspect of his NFL experience that has helped him thus far is getting to compete against some of the top defensive lines in the league. The Rams were ranked third in the league with their tenacious pass rush led by defensive end Robert Quinn who finished the year with 19 sacks. They were also ranked in the top 10 in rush yards allowed. Meanwhile, the Browns defense was ranked in the top 10 in total yards allowed, pass yards allowed and yards per carry.
“It has helped me because I got much better in St. Louis, especially my pass blocking. Coming to Cleveland and working on my run game has only helped me out,” Salimu said. “I just need to compete at a high level on both aspects and playing against top defensive lines only helps.”
Recollecting on the last couple of months, Salimu said he was watching the draft with his best friend and his friend’s little cousin when he got the call from St. Louis that he would be signed as a free agent.
“I just let out a huge breathe and had the biggest smile on my face and couldn’t be any happier at that moment,” Salimu said. “My plans were to get to the next level playing offensive line. Everything is going as planned right now.”
Former Nicholls State University offensive lineman Abasi Salimu signed with the St. Louis Rams after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. But since being released by St. Louis, Salimu has found a home with the Cleveland Browns. The former Colonel chimed in with Staff Writer Michael Hotard this week and talked about all of the difficulties that come with playing in the NFL. Salimu said he knows that he is not guaranteed to make the Browns’ roster, but is working hard daily to perfect his craft.
