DITR: Christian Abney

Christian Abney is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the country for the Class of 2023 from Zionsville High School in Zionsville, Indiana. At 6’5, 215 pounds, Abney has a lot of raw ability at the quarterback position as he does possess not only good arm strength, but also good touch on the deep ball as well. Not to mention, he is big, physical, has good running ability, and has the mentality of a linebacker when he runs the football.

“I want to use my size and speed to my advantage. I want to be physical with people and win the 1 on 1 battles when I scrambles as well as on passes.”

Extending plays with his feet is a big attribute to his game, but so is his leadership. After missing the first couple of games to an injury, this dual threat quarterback from the Hoosiers state immediately looked like a star completing 70 of 126 passes for 1,006 yards and 11 touchdowns to only two interceptions. The mobile big guy also ran for 184 yards and seven more touchdowns on the ground using his 4.59/40 speed. Not only was the offense much more explosive, but Abney also did what matters most when it comes to the quarterback position and that is win games. He helped lead the Eagles to the Indiana Class 5A State Championship Game.

“My season last year was a little disappointing as I was injured for a large chunk of it. It was very rewarding to come back and get to compete for a championship, but this year, I am aiming to take my game to the next level and help my team win.”

Although the Eagles came up short in the state championship against the Cathedral Fighting Irish at Lucas Oil Stadium. What Abney accomplished in just about half a season is absolutely incredible. Also, add in all of his natural abilities, that generally translated to getting some Division I looks for the Eagles star quarterback. As a matter of fact, at the beginning of June, Abney received his first offer from Ball State and two weeks later, decided to act upon the offer and commit to the Cardinals.

“I have been able to develop great relationships with Ball State. They made it very clear how much they believed in me as a player and an athlete and that drew me to committing to the program.”

The scary part about this towering quarterback is that he is only getting bigger and better heading into his senior season.

“An interesting fact about me is that I came into high school very skinny at about 155 pounds and had to gain a lot of weight to get to where I am now.”

Having a physical presence at quarterback, being able to become a dual threat while doing so, hitting a growth spurt, and just starting to get some college attention entering his senior season is very comparable to a current NFL star.

“I like to model my game after Josh Allen because of the big frame we both share and his fearless play-style as a passer and runner.”

In order to become a NFL first round pick and a NFL All-Pro like the Buffalo Bills star, the second year starter is continuing to improve on not only the physical side of the game, but the mental part of it as well.

“The thing I want to improve most on this season is my mental game. I want to have an even better understanding of my opponents this year so my team and I can have as much success as possible.”

The state of Indiana may be known more for its basketball, but make no mistake, football is still highly competitive there too.

“It was tough. Everyone plays hard and it holds you accountable to play at 100% all the time.”

Being a disciplined and hard nosed football team is what head coach Scott Turnquist wants from his football team, and that is what their leader at quarterback is going to try and be for his teammates this season.

“My message to the team this season is that I will work as hard as I can to help us win and the reason Zionsville is so special is because of the family environment we have.”

Being a part of that family environment is what also drove him to Ball State. Although Christian Abney’s name is getting more and more recognizable throughout the offseason, he wants to reassure the program and its fans that he is ready to lead the football team to one of the MAC’s elite.

“Ball State fans should expect a very hard worker, very coachable kid, and great teammate.”

Although Christian Abney is only entering his second year as a starter, this hidden gem certainly has a chance to be special and to do so flying under the radar. It certainly would not be the first time that anybody would see this story go down. Just go ask one of the NFL’s finest quarterbacks down in Buffalo.

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