Film and Eval on Abdesmad

Mehdi Abdesmad committed to Boston College recently and now that his senior highlights were put together this week Scout.com can give the Eagle faithful a closer look at their Canadian sleeper.

Mehdi Abdesmad comes to Boston College having played many different positions on the defensive side of the ball for Vieux. For the most part, it looks like they like to run a three-man front, however there are some instances where they’ll run a four-man front as well. Abdesmad will line up as a tradition defensive end in the 4-3, play outside rush linebacker in the three-man and also lines up at linebacker in that scheme as well. What’s interesting is the way they use him at linebacker as I’m not sure he’s playing middle linebacker as much as he’s simply playing a “Joker” role which would simply be either a spy for the quarterback or more often, an extra pass rusher. That player is typically someone who is very quick to the ball and best coming at the quarterback from their feet, which we will get to.

Abdesmad does not show great technique or pass rushing moves, especially with his hand on the ground in the 4-3, however when he’s able to stand up and rush the passer his athletic ability and explosion comes into play and he becomes and extremely dangerous player. He has a long 6-foot-6 frame and a huge wingspan to go along with very good closing speed, so tracking down ball carriers and ripping them to the ground is his specialty. Abdesmad is absolutely relentless in the pass rush and his backside pursuit is going to make him a very tough defender to get away from in the ACC. He is also a powerful tackler at 255 pounds and when he adds muscle mass, he could easily end up a very athletic 275-pound left defensive end. Those players don’t come around every day and if BC can develop him, they’ll have a steal on their hands.

The bottom line on Mehdi Abdesmad is that he hasn’t been playing against great competition, but he’s played for Team Canada and Team World and more than held his own at those events. He finished his senior year with 51.5 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. He has the size and speed that you can’t teach and with proper development, he could become a special player on the defensive side of the ball for Boston College. It’s all about upside with Abdesmad and that’s what Eagle’s fans will have to wait and look for over the next couple of years.

BC fans can watch his senior highlights below:

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