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Cody Leist

PDT Sports Writer

PIKETON — A trip to a college football game convinced then-10-year-old Isaac Brabson that he wanted to play on that level.

After a successful high school career that culminated in an SVC championship and the second playoff berth and first playoff win in school history, the Piketon senior quarterback will live out that dream as he has decided to continue his football career at Kentucky Christian University. Brabson selected the Knights after receiving interest from NCAA Division I Eastern Kentucky and Indiana State, Division II West Liberty State University and the University of Findlay as well as Division III Mount Saint Joseph.

“It just felt like home, I knew that was it,” Brabson said about KCU. “…I didn’t want to go too big, I didn’t want to go too small. I thought that was right for me.”

Last season, Brabson was 180-of-285 passing for 2,457 yards, 21 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran the ball 89 times for 602 yards and two touchdowns while the Redstreaks finished their season at 9-3 and were a Division IV, Region 15 Semifinalist. His high school coach, Tyler Gullion, said he will make the transition.

“I think he can be successful,” Gullion said. “He’s got the size and he’s got the height. He’ll put on some weight.

“I think he is what colleges are looking for in a quarterback. (He’s) smart, athletic, a good arm.”

The biggest impact Brabson had on the program was his ability to run the spread and change plays as he saw fit. Gullion said he prefers more of a traditional offense but he knew there had to be changes when Brabson came up through the program in order to succeed.

“We gave him a lot of leeway, moreso than I ever had or probably anyone has,” Gullion said. “A high IQ football-wise.”

Brabson, who will be studying early childhood education and has entertained thoughts of becoming a coach, said Eastern Kentucky wanted him to switch to wide receiver for his first year before moving back behind center while West Liberty was looking at him to play either receiver or safety.

Brabson said former Waverly running back Taylor Ward influenced the Knights coaching staff to take a look at Brabson. The Grayson, Kentucky-based institution has been loading up on southern Ohio talent this offseason.

Brabson, who was a Second Team All-Ohio selection last season, joins a recruiting class that includes East’s Justin Crager. The former Tartan will switch from quarterback to tailback. Brabson said the situation was the right fit for him.

“It’s looking good down there,” Brabson said.

Cody Leist can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 294, or cleist@civitasmedia.com.