Blue White Illustrated

there before. I actually didn't even know what Coach Bowen looked like. I had no idea he was a mountain of a man. But, for some reason, I just had this gut feeling that I had to wait and get up to Penn State before I made any moves. I went to a lot of schools, and there were a lot of impressive schools, but I still waited for Penn State. I went up there knowing the rich history and everything, but I loved meeting their coaches. That was big. I think they have a really good family atmosphere. I love Coach [James] Franklin. He's a great guy and very personable. It really was a per- fect storm. I le7 there knowing that this was where I wanted to go. BWI You went home for a few days be- fore announcing your commitment. What were those talks like with your family? You committed earlier than most players your age, so what did your parents have to say about this deci- sion? ELKSNIS Well, as soon as I le7 that camp, I was telling my parents that this was where I wanted to go. I just knew that this was where I wanted to go to school. Of course, they asked me to wait and think it over for a few days before rushing into anything, which I did. I also had a great camp when I was at Penn State, too. I ran my fastest 40 [4.65] there. I thought I did great, so I felt like that was a sign, too. So I le7 that camp knowing what I wanted to do. My parents and I just talked about it for a few days, once the initial impact of the visit wore o6 a little bit. That's what I love about my parents and my entire family. They've always supported my decisions throughout this entire recruiting process. They com- pletely supported this a7er we talked everything over. I just knew this was the place. BWI As you mentioned earlier, begin- ning on Sept. 1, schools were allowed to start reaching out to you. Did you hear from a lot of schools that day and in the days that followed? I'm just curious, be- cause that's always a big day for junior prospects. Did schools respect your commitment, or did they still blow up your phone that day? ELKSNIS Yeah, I still had a lot of schools reach out that day. I had almost all the schools that had been in touch previously, plus a few new schools, reach out that day. I was respectful about it. I just kept the responses brief, kept them minimal. I never want to come o6 as a jerk, so I thanked them for reaching out, but also made it clear that I committed to Penn State because I was 100 percent sure. I didn't commit to Penn State be- cause they're just the best option I have at the moment. That's not how it works with me. I know that this is where I want to go. BWI You came up to Penn State on the weekend of the Pitt game and saw your 4rst game in Beaver Stadium. What stood out? What caught your eye? ELKSNIS I think the loyalty is what stood out to me the most. Going into the trip, I already knew they had a fan- tastic fan base, but I don't think I un- derstood how loyal they all are. It rained for a good portion of the game, and it wasn't the warmest day. I know it wasn't the coldest day at Penn State or anything, but it rained pretty good dur- ing the first half. What I noticed is that no one left. That's what really im- pressed me the most. Throughout the whole game, it had been raining and no one moved an inch. Everyone stayed and supported their team. They were so fired up. I just thought that was awe- some. But also, I thought their student sec- tion was awesome. I had never seen a student section that big before. I think the music is great and the chants are great. During some of these visits that I've gone on, the [recruiting sta6] that hangs out with you during the game doesn't even know all the chants. Every- one that I was with was so into it. I loved that. BWI Did you get to spend much time with the coaches during your visit? I know you had a game Friday night, but did you stick around town Saturday night or Sunday? ELKSNIS A7er the game, I hung out with Grayson Kline. He and I also hung out with some of the other players on the team. I had a really great time with them. Coach Bowen's family was in town that day, so he went and saw them, which is totally 4ne. I completely under- stand. The next day, we had brunch with a bunch of people from the team. There were also two other recruits and their families. So we got to hang out with Coach Franklin then. The entire coach- ing sta6 was there, too. We had about an hour to do that. That was fun hanging out with everyone. I know my family re- ally enjoyed getting to know the coaches more. I then sat down with Coach Bowen a7er that and also sat down with Coach Franklin before we le7. We 5ew out at like 2:15, so we had a good morn- ing and a7ernoon with them. I got to talk to the coaches for a good bit. BWI I want to get a better feel for you as a player. Is there anything that you feel is a major strength of yours? Also, is there anything you really want to im- prove on this season? ELKSNIS One of the big things, in my opinion, is that I have the work ethic. Obviously, I've been blessed with the size and the athletic ability, but I also know that I've worked my tail o6. I work out every morning before school. I also train with coaches and trainers all the time. I know that I'm putting the work in, so that's one thing that I'm proud of and believe is a strength of mine. I'll work as hard as I have to work to get where I want to go. When it comes to stu6 I want to get better at, there's al- ways room to improve. I feel like I need to become a better blocker. I feel like I can run better routes. There are always things that I can improve on. BWI I like to give recruits a chance to communicate with all the Penn State fans reading this. Is there anything you'd like to say to all the PSU fans out there? ELKSNIS To all the Penn State fan base, you will not see someone outwork me or out-hustle me. I am 1,000 percent com- mitted and can't wait to get up and start helping the team achieve greatness. God bless and go Lions. ■

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