College football star helps Jets bring gifts to Sandy victims

December 20, 2012 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Oday Aboushi.jpg

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Oday Aboushi, a star offensive tackle for the University of Virginia, is teaming up with a member of the New York Jets to bring some relief to Staten Island victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Aboushi and David Harris, a linebacker for Gang Green, will distributing coats and will serve 5,000 hotdogs to residents of Midland Beach on Saturday, Dec. 22. Midland Beach was one of the hardest hit areas of New York City during the super-storm.

Aboushi is from Staten Island, but has a Brooklyn connection. He is a graduate of Xaverian High School, the Catholic high school for boys in Bay Ridge. Aboushim is an Arab-American and his football career has created a great deal of excitement in Brooklyn’s Arab-American community.

Aboushi, a senior at the U. of Virginia, is ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle in the country and is a top NFL prospect. The website scoutnypreps.com reported that during his junior year, Aboushi made 81 tackles, recorded seven sacks of the opposing team’s quarterback, forced three fumbles, and recovered two fumbles.

Aboushi said he is looking forward to coming home. “I am honored to have the opportunity to come home and help my neighbors overcome the Hurricane Sandy disaster,” Aboushi said. “These survivors are truly amazing, and I draw inspiration from their determination, spirit, and faith,” he said.

The hurricane relief event is sponsored by Sabrett Hot Dogs, Reebok, UTZ Snacks, Body Armor, the group OccupySandy and the Arab American Association of New York, is also supported by Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, (R-Bay Ridge State Island), state Sen. Diane Savino (D-Bensonhurst-Staten Island), and state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island).