#CFCOPC: DE Sabat brings Thundering hits on the gridiron (VIDEO)

OUA & CWUAA schools in the mix for Thunder standout.

Defensive end Chris Sabat of the Toronto Thunder is a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron.

Chris Sabat

Positions:
Defensive End

Height/Weight:
6’1, 212 lbs

Teams:
Toronto Thunder (junior varsity: OVFL)
Ajax-Pickering Dolphins (peewee/bantam: OMF)
Scarborough Thunder (tyke/peewee: OMF)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Consideration:
Western, Manitoba, Windsor, Open

Class:
2017

It starts with a low rumbling that ends in a loud boom. It’s not thunder. It’s defensive star Chris Sabat levelling out another opponent on the turf.

In the 2015 Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) season alone, the young player had 40 assist tackles, 28 solo tackles, 6 assist sacks and 11 solo sacks.

“The best feeling in the world for a defensive lineman is putting a bit hit on the quarterback,” says Chris.

Though Sabat doesn’t just use his massive frame to hit people. He also has a knack for being in the quarterback’s line of fire. In 2015, he had three batted balls, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one touchdown.

In his nine year football career, the young star has collected quite a few honours highlighting not only his defensive skill, but his athleticism and leadership as well.

Awards:
– Tyke Defensive Linemen of the Year (2009)
– Tyke Playoff MVP (2009)
– Most Improved (2011)
– Most Outstanding Linemen (2012)
– Bantam Team MVP (2013)
– Bantam OVFL DL MVP (2013)
– Trinity College MVP (2013)
– Athlete of the Year (2014)
– Trinity College MVP (2014)
– Football Leadership Award (2014)

 

Chris’ key to success is that he trains on his own. While solo training is not the chosen option for some, he says training alone allows you to know what your body can and cannot do. This season, the defensive star is looking to improve on his speed.

“My speed is my best trait and it gets me in the back field 90% of the time. It can always use some work,” says the defensive end who participated in this past May’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC).

It was his speed that allowed him to get his first OVFL touchdown last season – a 35 yard pick six.

But the star wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without the dedication and support of his parents.

“Both my parents have done so much for me in my nine years of playing from driving me to practice to being by my side for the big wins and the tough losses,” adds Chris.

The defensive end’s goal is to go to school for marketing or management, while playing the sport.

“I’m excited to be able to go on official visits to a whole bunch of different universities,” says Chris, who is so far considering Western, Manitoba and Windsor but open to other considerations. “It should be a great experience.”