Abdurrahman Ibn Ya-Sin, widely recognized as Ya-Sin, has carved a notable path in collegiate football, showcasing his prowess as a defensive rock. His journey, marked by consistent performance and accolades, began to gain significant traction in 2018 when he transferred to Temple University as a mid-year entrant from Presbyterian College. This move proved pivotal, propelling him onto a larger stage where his capabilities as a defensive back truly shone.
In his senior year at Temple, Ya-Sin swiftly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Being awarded a single-digit jersey, a symbol of toughness and merit within the Temple program, underscored his immediate impact and the respect he garnered from his team. His on-field statistics further cemented his reputation; Ya-Sin ranked third in the conference and tied for 14th nationally in passes defended, accumulating an impressive 12 throughout the season. He made his debut start for Temple against Villanova, marking his entry into FBS play, and punctuated his season with a memorable interception against Buffalo. This interception was not just a play but a highlight reel moment, earning the coveted top spot on SportsCenter’s plays of the day. His performance peaked against Tulsa where he achieved a career-high of 10 tackles, demonstrating his all-around defensive skillset. Prior to Temple, Ya-Sin’s junior year at Presbyterian College saw him earn first-team all-Big South honors. Starting in all 11 games, he set a school record with five interceptions and recovered two fumbles. His tackling ability was also evident, registering 49 total tackles, the fourth highest on the team, with a career-high of seven tackles against Saint Francis.
His sophomore year at Presbyterian continued to build upon his foundational skills. Starting in all 11 games at cornerback, he recorded 31 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss, and led the team with nine pass breakups. A standout moment was his 61-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against South Alabama, the team’s only defensive score that year. Again, he posted a career-high seven tackles in the season finale against South Alabama, highlighting his consistent presence on the field. Even as a freshman, Ya-Sin contributed significantly, playing in every game and starting in two. He recorded 15 tackles and two pass breakups, showcasing early promise with a career-high six tackles against Western Carolina, and consistent performances with three tackles against both Miami (OH) and Liberty.
Before his collegiate career, Ya-Sin honed his skills at Southwest Dekalb High in Decatur, Georgia, where he played as a defensive back. His high school career was decorated with accolades, including two-time all-county and all-region selections. He led Dekalb County in interceptions, demonstrating his ball-hawking ability early on. Adding to his athletic achievements, he was a three-time region champion, three-time county champion, and two-time state champion wrestler, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit across sports. Academically, Ya-Sin was recognized as an Honor Roll and Principal’s List student, demonstrating his commitment both on and off the field. Born to Ramadan Ya-Sin and Abrenda Kelly, Ya-Sin majored in psychology, indicating an interest in understanding the mental aspects of performance and competition. Ya-Sin’s career trajectory reflects a dedicated and talented athlete consistently striving for excellence, solidifying his reputation as a rock-solid defensive player.
