02/06/03 Greyhounds Press Release

The 2002 NIFL National Champion Ohio Valley Greyhounds are pleased to announce the signing of Muhammad Abdullah a three year starter at the University of Illinois.

Abdullah, a 5'10", 202-pound free safety from the University of Illinois, will make his professional debut with the Greyhounds.

Mel Kiper rated Muhammad a top fifty safety in the 2001 NFL draft. The Illini coaching staff called Abdullah "the most focused guy on the team. a player that will do anything he's asked."

Abdullah finished his career at Illinois with 293 tackles (197 solos), eight stops for losses of 29 yards and nine interceptions for 81 yards in returns.

During the 2001 season, Muhammad was All- Big Ten Conference honorable mention and team captain. He started every game at free safety, finished second on the team with a career-high 98 tackles (71 solos), three interceptions and a forced fumble. Abdullah vs. Louisiana State (Sugar Bowl)- 7 tackles (5 solos), vs Ohio State 10 tackles and a pass deflection, vs Michigan 8 tackles (6 solos).

In 2000, Abdullah was a team captain and started all 11 games at free safety. Muhammad was ranked 13th in the Big Ten Conference with 90 tackles (56 solos) and caused two forced fumbles.

In the 1999 season, he started all 12 games free safety and ranked third on team in tackles with 79 (58 solos). Abdullah was ranked 5th in the Big Ten with 5 interceptions.

In the 1998 season, played in all 12 games as freshman at free safety and special teams, starting four games after the injury of Mike Gusich. Abdullah made 26 tackles (5 solos) with a fumble recovery and an
interception.