Yet another Saint Ignatius offensive lineman is destined to play Division I college football.

Grant Abbott committed to Bowling Green State University on Tuesday evening, joining the growing legion of Wildcats in the Division I ranks. 

Abbott is among the growing contingent of Football Cats to commit to a D1 school in the last week. Long snapper Sean Wracher chose the Indiana Hoosiers last Tuesday and another Wildcat is planning on committing later this week. 

"I feel great," said Abbott. "All of the coaches there, they showed me the utmost confidence in myself. It only makes me feel better about the decision. I'm excited."

Abbott will have plenty of company in Division I. Kevin Woidke '15 (Ohio State), Liam Eichenberg '16 (Notre Dame), John Spellacy '17 (East Carolina University), and Darian Kinnard '18 (Kentucky) are only some of the recent linemen to represent the Cats. 

Abbott earned the scholarship offer to BGSU with his hard work, dedication, and flexibility. The 6'4", 270-pound lineman filled gaps in 2017, playing both at guard and tackle throughout the season.

Abbott served as a stellar sub when a starter needed a breather. Abbott proved particularly useful when Kinnard needed breaks following stints on defense as a nose tackle. 

"Each year, he's gotten stronger and bigger," said Offensive Line Coach Paul Yappel said of Abbott. "He's a smart player and always learns. Last year, he was working at multiple positions on the offensive line. We could count on him as a tackle, guard, center, any of those positions. He's also selfless. He's what you look for to play the offensive line."

While on the field last season, Abbott's skills shined. As Yappel said, Abbott is the epitome of a Saint Ignatius lineman. 

Abbott's deft and aggressive pass blocking granted the quarterback extra time in the pocket to make decisions. His agility allowed him to pull quickly to the other side to open holes for the running backs. When run blocking in place as a tackle, Abbott often placed his opponent on his rear end.

"His technique has always been strong and the reason it's improved is because he's worked on it," Yappel said. "A lot of work with the offensive line is the little things, the details, the repetition that comes with that in practice. He's always been willing to work at it and that shows in the game."

At the end of each season prior to the team banquet, the Wildcats vote on two captains for the following season. The team selected linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and Abbott to the two honored spots as captains. 

"With Grant's work ethic, that's the kind of captain we want heading into the offseason," said Head Coach Chuck Kyle '69. "That work ethic and form of leadership is essential. Grant is a sociable young man and his teammates like working with him, so it was a clear fit as a captain. His teammates respect him and his intensity.

"Just go down to the weight room and watch," Kyle continued. "That's what fellow players look at. Our captains have their own personality. If they're verbose, that's fine, if they're more sedate, that's fine. Our guys value work ethic and dedication as key factors."

Abbott has lived up to the expectations in the offseason. Abbott has been a beast in the weight room, preparing for the season with his teammates and skyrocketing up recruiting lists. 

"We knew he was a D1 football player," Kyle said. "In spring, colleges were coming in, and this past year, a lot came in the morning because that's when our guys work out. We said, 'Come down the weight room and watch guys.' That's where Grant's stock rose quickly. He's an extremely hard worker in the weight room."

Abbott indeed received plenty of attention from schools. A number of colleges offered him scholarships and pursued him heavily.

But at the end of the day for Abbott, it came down to comfort with the coaches and in the weight room. 

"I've been on BGSU's campus about 4-5 times now," Abbott said. "The relationships I've built with those coaches are unlike any I've had with any other coaches. They made me feel the most comfortable there. It was the best fit for me.

"When I visit schools, I try to compare to Saint Ignatius," Abbott continued. "Does it have that 'at home' feeling? Walking through their training facilities, all of the player areas, and the weight room, it felt like Ignatius, minus [Strength & Conditioning Coach Anthony] Rubino, of course."

Thanks to help from Rubino and the football staff, Abbott's strength and athletic ability is something to marvel. Abbott is at the top of the depth chart entering the season, even if his position is not picked out yet.

With Abbott's excellent versatility, the Wildcats coaching staff is excited to use him wherever he's most needed. 

"Grant has the ability to play any of the interior line positions," Kyle said. "He's very sharp, very focused young man. He can play any position. That ability to understand the concept of what we're doing on the offensive line. He's a great leader that way. A lot of guys go, 'That's my position,' and concentrate on that position and know that position. But to picture the whole concept, not many do that. That really helps.

"Obviously he's starting, but is he the starting center, guard, or tackle? We have to see where we need him the most. There's no concern about that, it's just about where do we need Grant the most, and that's where he'll play. Not everyone can do that. I think Bowling Green sees that. Center, guard, maybe even tackle. He can play early at any one of those positions."

Whatever Abbott's position, Yappel has confidence in his senior lineman. 

"It's not easy for an offensive lineman to transition from a tackle to a guard to a center. He's able to do that because of his athletic ability," Yappel said. "That's valuable because you can use him in any of those positions. He's a leader, as evidenced by the respect he's shown by his coaches and his teammates being a captain. A lot is expected of him this year and there's no doubt he'll reach that potential."

As for Abbott, he's ready to continue proving the doubters wrong.

"I think about goals a lot," the captain said. "Coming into the season, I've heard people doubt us a little bit and say, 'They might not make the playoffs this year.' I want to do what they say we can't do."

On behalf of Saint Ignatius athletics, congratulations, Grant!