1999 Clemson Football Outlook

Aug. 11, 1999

Clemson outside linebacker Rahim Abdullah announced in December that he would give up his senior year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. The native of Jacksonville, FL was a second-team All-ACC performer this past season for the Tigers.

Abdullah was the third Clemson defensive player in the last three years to enter the NFL draft with a year of eligibility. After the 1997 season Anthony Simmons entered the draft after his junior season and was a first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks. Trevor Pryce turned pro a year early after the 1996 season and was taken in the first round by the Denver Broncos. Both players are now starting in the NFL.

Abdullah had 89 tackles this past season, fourth best on the team. He tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 15 and was second in sacks with 7.5. He concluded his career in the top 15 in school history in both tackles for loss and sacks. He had three returns for touchdown in his Clemson career, a record tying effort.

Abdullah came on strong to close the 1998 season. Over the last five games he had 53 tackles, including a career high 15 stops at Florida State. He had at least one tackle for loss in 10 of the 11 games in the 1998 season.

In January, Clemson offensive guard Corey Hulsey announced he would also enter the NFL draft. Hulsey was a second-team All-ACC guard in 1998 and was a starter for the Tigers in 1997 and 1998.