Elijah Smith: This past season didn’t go the way it was planned to be but I experienced elevation in both my IQ and my actual game itself. Last spring going into my senior season the coaches that recruited me stepped down and we didn’t find out who our new coaches were going to be until summertime. Because of that we lost a vast majority of our players and transfer recruits that we were looking forward on making a difference with us. Heading into fall camp we had about 65 freshmen on our roster of roughly 75-80 players. About 4 of those freshman were on the offensive line. That took a toil on us a bit. But I couldn’t be more happy they continued to work hard and finish off the season for the ones that did. Due to some setbacks we had we couldn’t really run all the plays we intended on to get our playmakers the ball and be explosive on offense. Also with going through injuries and other things of that nature we had multiple quarterback changes, we started 3 different quarterbacks during the year. Even though there was so much going on I tried my best keep my head on straight help the team as much as I could and because I have I made my mark in the record books in significant categories. I’m also happy that I’ve grown closer to the guys on the team and my offensive coordinator Coach Marc Saldana. Coach Marc Saldana stuck with me throughout the hardships of the season and never doubted me. He built enough trust to take my judgement of what I saw and thought would work on the field. He’s one of those coaches that has genuine love for his players that will always be deeper than football and for that I couldn’t thank him enough. Shouts out to Coach Sal and his family!
Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Elijah Smith: Football is far beyond just a sport to me. I’ve played every season since I started at 7yrs old to 22, it’s become a way of life. The opportunities that come with it on and off the field are life changing. From the people I met to the sites that I’ve seen and relationships I’ve built. Football has always been my gateway from all distractions. I’ve grown as a person through what this sport has taught me and to football I’m forever indebted for that.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the field?
Elijah Smith: My motivation on the field is just like we all heard before “play like it’s your last”. My brother and teammate Jabari Thomas helped me realize how difficult it is to live with regrets. And if you don’t put your heart and soul into something that sticks with you forever. Another motive is to keep my family members who ate here with me and aren’t here with me proud.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you NFL ready?
Elijah Smith: I’m working on some more things to become a better football player before the beautiful opportunity of playing for whoever I’m blessed to play for. But I believe my knowledge of the game and speed are what make me ready for the next level. I spend a lot of time studying and just watching football to better my game. I’m very coachable and willing to learn and look for help.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you pick them?
Elijah Smith: Right now I’m working on signing with an agent.
Joe Gaiter: What are 3 words that describe you?
Elijah Smith: Fast, Smart, and Crafty.
Joe Gaiter: If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you tell yourself?
Elijah Smith: I would tell myself the same thing I tell freshman now. There’s going to be things that happen that will be out of your control. Don’t dwell on it or feel way about it. Just have to keep moving forward!
Joe Gaiter: What separates you from other athletes that play your same position?
Elijah Smith: What separates me is my speed, attitude, toughness and IQ of the game.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Elijah Smith: I have a couple great accomplishments but my top 3 are sticking around and playing this amazing game for so long, my football career in itself and makes my parents proud on and off the field. I was extremely happy during my senior day because I had everyone come out and support me, it was of my best games here at Lincoln and it created an opportunity to make my mark here and leave my name in the record books in only 2 years. Like I mentioned I’ve been playing since I was 7 and playing at the next level has been my dream for about 15 years. So being named a draft prospect is a beautiful honor!
Joe Gaiter: What is your backup plan if you don’t get drafted this year?
Elijah Smith: I’ll be graduating in May with my BS in Media and Broadcasting where I would continue on to being a Sports Analyst after my time on the field is done.
Joe Gaiter: When is your Proday?
Elijah Smith: That’s still being worked out at school. Nothing official as of now. A couple of different options but I haven’t locked in anything.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training?
Elijah Smith: Currently I’m training at school with my Athletic Trainers until I can finish the agent process.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Elijah Smith: All Praises Due To Allah
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Twitter: ORGNLELI
NFL Draft Preview: Lincoln University’s Elijah Smith Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: January 31st, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
