See Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald's Dramatic Body Transformation

Kentucky fans had probably never heard the name Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald until a week before he committed to UK on January 30.  The defensive end flew under the radar until just before National Signing Day, but the Cats were able to fend off Florida to get him to sign on the dotted line.

Penned in as a “late riser,” he earns that description because he originally planned to play basketball at the next level.  Born in Nigeria, his first passion when he arrived in the United States in middle school was basketball.  It suited him well, scoring over 1,000 points in his high school career, until he started growing into his body.

It’s difficult to comprehend Abule’s development.  The only way to understand is to compare the before and after. His adoptive father Steve Fitzgerald has shared plenty of pictures on Twitter of Abule.  Prepare to be shocked.

Freshman Abule

January 18, 2016: Abule received an all-tournament award his junior year.

November 14, 2016: Even during his senior season, his arms hang from his jersey.

December 10: You start to see him grow after he scored his 1,000th career point.

March 21: HOLY RAVIOLI BATMAN!

April 6: HIS HANDS COULD PALM THEIR FACES.

April 27: Steve Fitzgerald reports that Abule is up to 267 pounds, more than 20 pounds heavier than his playing weight last fall.

May 10:  Earlier this week, Darin Hinshaw checked in before Abule moves to Lexington.

Even though he might be the least talked about recruit in 2017 class, nobody has more upside.  He’s only played about two full football seasons, and as you could see, he’s just beginning to grow into his body.

A bright student who’s lived with coaches, he’ll be able to dedicate himself 100% as a redshirt this fall.  A year of learning fundamental football, paired with a nutritional program and weightlifting plan, Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald’s future is bright.