MOBILE, Ala. — NFL teams already know John Abram the football player.
The Mississippi State standout wants teams to know John Abram the person.
As a football player, Abram is a hard-hitting, 6-foot safety who began his college career at Georgia, spent a season at Jones College in Ellisville, and arrived in Starkville as a junior in 2017. He made seven starts that year, but he had a breakout season in 2018 and was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference. Abram’s 99 tackles were the most of any SEC defensive back. In two seasons at MSU, Abram had 170 tackles, 14 for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Abram’s success earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl at 1:30 p.m. Saturday (NFL Network) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Abram joined MSU teammates Gerri Green, Elgton Jenkins, and Montez Sweat in being selected to play on the South team. A shoulder injury will prevent Abram from participating in practices or the game.
MSU’s four selections to the Senior Bowl are its most since four Bulldogs were selected following the 2010 season.
While many NFL coaches know all of that about Abram, they might know about him as a young man. Abram, 22, graduated with honors, is working on a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, got married last May, and has a 1-year-old daughter, Harlee.
“There’s a lot more to me than just football,” Abram said Wednesday at the Mobile Convention Center. “My teammates sort of looked at me as like a ‘Dad’ figure on the team because if there were guys who did have children on the way, they’d ask me my opinion because I’m going through it.”
Abram considers himself a family man and said his wife, Bri’Anna, has done a marvelous job “handling the business” at home while he pursues a career in the NFL. If they need any help, Abram’s family in Columbia is a phone call away.
“They’ve supported me all along the way,” Abram said of his family. “They’ll come up on Thursday for a game and won’t leave until Monday.”
Even though the shoulder injury will prevent Abram from playing in the Senior Bowl, he still said he has had a productive week.
A shoulder issue was caught during the medical check after Abram arrived. He was replaced on the South roster by James Madison cornerback Jimmy Moreland, who arrived Tuesday.
Abram sprained his acromioclavicular, or AC, joint in MSU’s loss to Iowa in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1. Although he wasn’t medically cleared for on-field activities, Abram wanted to remain in Mobile so NFL coaches and scouts could get to know him.
One scout said Abram “put enough on tape” while at MSU, so not participating in practice won’t hurt his draft stock.
“We’ll get him at the combine,” the scout said.
Abram is looking forward to the opportunities.
“A lot of coaches, scouts and GMs applaud me because they know I’m trying to do the right thing,” Abram said. “A lot them can relate because they also have young children.”
Abram’s misfortune turned out to be a blessing for Moreland. After shining at the East-West Shrine Game last week, Moreland received a call Monday to come to Mobile. He and Abram became friends while working out together in Dallas for the college All-Star showcases, so getting the Senior Bowl invitation at Abram’s expense was bittersweet.
“Not many players get this opportunity, so to play in two All-Star games is incredible,” Moreland said. “I’m just taking in every moment.
“A great opportunity opened up. It’s like they say, if you’re on the football field and somebody gets hurt, next man up. It’s a great opportunity for me that I was able to be that next man up.”
Abram expects to be 100 percent for the NFL Combine, which will be Feb. 26 to March 4 in Indianapolis. Defensive backs will be in groups 10 and 11 and will arrive in Indianapolis on March 1. Abram expects to shine when he hits the field thanks in part to the extra motivation of having a family to support.
“It’s not just about me,” Abram said. “I have two other people depending on me now. I’ve got to get done what I’ve got to get done.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
