On a team that is known for their trench dominance, Oscar Abundis Jr. could be the next big thing – figuratively and literally – for the Centennial Coyotes offensive line.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pound sophomore has shown the size, strength and flexibility to make an impact at the varsity level. With ease, Abundis can fold his huge frame in half and touch well beyond his toes.
“That flexibility is really important because on the offensive line, they’re always looking for guys that they say can bend,” Centennial football coach Richard Taylor said. “Well, he can not only bend. He can do the Chinese splits and put his nose on the ground.”
At the advice of his father, Abundis began incorporating stretching into his routine as a child. With his size, he often felt rigid, but he’s seen the benefits of flexibility for years.
“Since I started from when I was little, it was kind of hard for me to move around,” Abundis said. “But when I grew up like right now, I feel like I can finally move around instead of being stiff.”
This will be Abundis’ first full varsity season with the Coyotes, but he already made an impression with the upperclassmen last year when he was called up from the freshman team for the postseason.
“Our varsity kids last year said, ‘Coach, it’s like running around a mountain, trying to get around a mountain,'” Taylor said.
“Every day that goes by, he’s going to feel more comfortable and more a part of (the team).”
And his head coach has been impressed with the type of teammate he has been and is looking forward to seeing his offensive lineman use his strength.
“Especially when you’ve been that big most of your life, how many times do you suppose he’s heard, ‘Be careful…don’t hurt anybody’?” Taylor said. “Now, he’s in a game where he can go full-out.”
The defending state champion Coyotes start their season on August 17th against the Casteel Colts.
