Israel Abrams is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, ranked in the top four by all the national recruiting services. The Montini senior is also a top-tier talker, quick to turn a phrase that cries out for a headline:
“We have one mentality, and that is to kill.”
“We are going to go 38-0, we will win three state titles and stamp our name in history.”
“I don’t have to worry about the guys on this team. The coaches stay locked in and so do the guys. It is a well-oiled machine.”
It is worth noting all the “we’s” in those bold statements and all the team goals mentioned. Abrams isn’t thinking about raising his profile a notch to be named the top quarterback in the country. He isn’t boasting about his five-star ranking. The Miami recruit is focused on winning.
“He’s a coach’s dream,” Montini coach Mike Bukovsky said. “He loves to play the game. We’ve never had one instance or issue with him not wanting to practice or not practicing well or anything like that. He always loves to compete, to challenge himself and to be challenged.”
Abrams is 6-4 and nearing 200 pounds. Bukovsky is thrilled with the added weight and muscle Abrams added over the offseason after he threw for 4,072 yards and led the Broncos to an undefeated season and the 4A state title. Abrams was 233 of 340 passing with 40 TDs and 6 interceptions. He also scored 10 rushing TDs.
“[Abrams] is detailed in how he attacks things,” Bukovsky said. “He is always interested in that aspect of the game, watching film and studying. That is the backbone of his character. And his arm might be even stronger than last year.”
Senior receivers Luca Florio, Damacio Ortegon and Johnny Neustadt return, and Donovan Evans transferred from St. Rita. Bukovsky says it is the best receiving corps in school history.
“They are going to be looking to eat, and I am going to get the ball to them,” Abrams said.
Montini, No. 4 in the preseason Super 25 rankings, has won 24 consecutive games. Abrams took over the starting job during his sophomore year and led the Broncos to the 3A title. Seven starters return on offense and five on defense from last season’s 4A championship team.
“The only negative with us this year is we aren’t a super deep team,” Bukovsky said. “But that’s natural for a school our size. 525 kids right now. And that is co-ed. We are always going to be chasing depth a little bit.”
Starting offensive linemen Michael Lombardo (6-1, 280 pounds), Hunter Mancione (6-5, 265 pounds) and Gavin Ericson-Staton (6-6, 285 pounds) return. Highly recruited sophomore Blake Pohlman (6-3, 215 pounds) leads the defensive line with seniors Johnny Louise (6-2, 225 pounds) and Namari Anderson (6-3, 380 pounds).
“When your top player shows up mentally and physically prepared to practice every day, that goes a long way,” Bukovsky said. “That’s been a big thing. [Abrams] is motivated by winning. How many state championships did all of the state’s phenomenal superstar QBs win over the last decade or so? [Abrams] is probably at the top of the list.”
@michaelsobriensports Montini is ranked No. 4 in the preseason Super 25. ##ihsa #football #montini ♬ original sound – michaelsobriensports