BAY ST LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) - On Friday nights, Niyjah Abbott is hitting ball carriers, but throughout the week, he spends time hitting the books.

The Bay High senior has a perfect 4.0 GPA while playing a key role in both the Tigers’ football and basketball teams.

While school in itself can be difficult, adding two sports in the mix makes things even more challenging, but for Abbott, nothing comes before his studies.

“It can be challenging in the sense of time, obviously,” Abbott said. “For me personally, I think you always have to put your academics first, and that helps with everything. The smarter you are, the smarter you play and the better you can do on the field and court.”

That idea of prioritizing his academics is something everyone on the football team sees, including those on

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