Defensive end Victor Abiamiri hopes to heed some advice from his former college teammate and current New York Giant Justin Tuck. The Eagles would love to see Abiamiri's career follow the same path that Tuck's has.
In his third season, Abiamiri has started in the first three games at left defensive end opposite Trent Cole. He started just one game in his first two seasons. So far in 2009, Abiamiri has 13 tackles and a fumble recovery which resulted in his first career touchdown at *any *level.
Abiamiri lost seven games - including playoffs - in 2008 due to injury (five games, dislocated wrist and two with a Lisfranc sprain) and most of training camp with a strained pec this year. Tuck went through the same thing earlier in his career. He started just one game in his first two seasons after losing most of his second season with a Lisfranc sprain of his own.
Tuck exploded in his third season. An integral part of Steve Spagnuolo's defensive, Tuck was used as an end and as a tackle and amassed 58 tackles, 10 sacks and a forced fumble.
"I always known he was a good player. It's really good how things came together for him," Abiamiri said. "He's faced some injuries. The main thing (he told me) is if you can stay healthy then you'll play in this league for a while and be successful."
Abiamiri is utilized the same way Tuck is in Sean McDermott's defense. On run downs, Abiamiri plays end and moves inside on passing downs. Abiamiri admits that he's still adjusting to pass rushing from the tackle position.
"I think it's still clicking. I'm definitely not where I want to be yet, but I'm always trying to get better. As you get more experience out there playing, I think it helps you out," Abiamiri said. "When you're out at the end, you just have to deal with one guy on that side. When you're in the middle, you deal with different blocking schemes and combinations. You better stay low because you can get knocked out of position very easily."
Abiamiri and Tuck are almost the same size (Tuck is one inch taller and seven pounds heavier). Tuck had a school-record 24.5 sacks at Notre Dame. Abiamiri finished third with 20.5. Now, it's time to see if Abiamiri can keep the parallels going and take some of the heat off of Cole at the opposite end spot.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson,5:27 p.m., October 6
