Football in Iowa is a big deal for everyone all around whether it’s 8-man or 5A football. For a small town, Mount Vernon Friday nights are huge. Almost everyone in town is at the MAC, and Gabe Grafft loves to be a part of that.

Grafft, a sophomore, enjoys playing with his friends and being a part of Mount Vernon’s “brotherhood.” Grafft’s favorite memory was going to the UNI Dome freshman year. Although Grafft plays three sports, the one that stands out to him the most has always been football. “Football has always been my first love, ever since I started playing in the backyard with my dad,” said Grafft. 

Many of Grafft’s teammates say it’s amazing playing with him.  “He’s a great role model and he’s a great fit for the team,” said teammate Brendan McNeal. Grafft wants to continue his football  career in college, his dream college would be Iowa. Grafft wants to play for Iowa because he loves the culture of the program. 

Grafft’s love for the game makes a big impact on not only players in his class but even younger players also. Freshman Eli Casey said “Gabe is a great leader, he always helps me in practice when I need it, he’s a great upperclassman teammate.” Players enjoy being around Grafft.