Ameer Abdullah drafted in second round by Detroit Lions

Former Homewod High School star running back Ameer Abdullah has taken his exploits from Waldrop Straium to the University of Nebraksa. Next step: The NFL.

Or, in his own words on Twitter: "Next stop "Motor City".

The explosive former Patriot was selected Friday in the second round of the National Football League draft by the Detroit Lions. He was the 54th pick overall and the fourth running back taken.

He is seen as a replacement in Detroit for the role former Hesiman Trophy winner Reggie Buch played.

"Honestly, I think there's only one Reggie Bush and hopefully I'm out to prove that there's only one Ameer Abdullah," Abdullah, the Lions' second-round pick, said in a conference call with Detroit reporters Friday. "Reggie, honestly, in my years of living, watching college football and watching Reggie throughout his career, he's one of the most electrifying guys I've ever seen. I'm ready to prove myself that I'm unique in my own way."

The Nebraska running back finished with 1,611 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns last year, and the Lions expect him to contribute both in the backfield and the return game as a rookie.

"His versatility, his ability to help on special teams, his ability in space," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said.

Bush, who missed five games with ankle injuries last year, was cut in February.

"We'll see (how much these moves help our running game)," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. "You can talk about it all you want, the proof is in the pudding. Will we be working towards that? Absolutely. It's a focal point for us - one of them, which there are many. But we do think, obviously, this strengthens our team."

Abdullah racked up more than 7,000 all-purpose yards as a Cornhusker, returning kickoffs over his four seasons and handling punt-return duties as a freshman and sophomore.

At Homewood, Abdullah rolled up 1,800 yards rushing, 515 yards receiving, and ran back four punts for touchdowns in his senior year.