Interview: Carolina Schools Finally Coming around on 2018 DT Elijiah Brown

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One of the best kept secrets in North Carolina high school football is finally getting recognition befitting his play on the field. Providence Day High School standout defensive tackle Elijiah Brown is nearing completion of his junior season but is just beginning to receive deserving next level offers.

Brown has been a highly productive player for his Charlotte area squad earning All-Conference honors as a sophomore after posting a rough stat line of 56 tackles, nine sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. His maturation and growth on the field since starting as a freshman continues. The upside, on the field production, and size to go with it, coming in at 6-4, 270, has college coaches seeking him out.

What was early interest has now turned into early offers. Both Wake Forest and North Carolina State have offered with teams like Clemson, Florida State, Duke, Appalachian State, Boston College, and North Carolina all taking a deeper look. The interest could grow even further with Brown adding an extra element to his game, playing left tackle for head coach Adam Hastings.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the 2018 class to get his thoughts on his junior campaign and received an update on his recruitment.

Interview

Elijiah, where all are you lining up on the field this year?

“Right now I’m playing defensive tackle and left tackle.”

Which position do you like better?

“Hard to say. I love defensive tackle. Left tackle is new to me this year. I stepped in to fill spaces on the offensive line. I’m starting to feel left tackle a lot more.”

How is the season going for you playing ironman football?

“I’m having a productive season, just trying to do my part on the field.”

What are some of the strides you’ve made with your game as a defensive tackle?

“I’m using my power more this year than last. Last year I tried to shoot the gap, now I am trying to hold up two gaps.”

How is your interior pass rush coming along?

“I’m always trying to get pressure on the quarterback. It is getting better.”

What are you still working to improve upon during the season?

“My speed coming off the ball. Since I have gained weight I have been slower off the ball. That was a strength my freshman and sophomore year.”

Did you max out over the summer or during fall camp in the weight room?

“I have not maxed out since spring. I’m getting stronger but I have not tried to max out since then.”

What was your bench, squat, and clean during the spring?

“My bench was 305, clean was 235, and my squat was 385.”

Are there any games left on the schedule you are a little more excited to play over the others?

“This week will be a big game (Bishop Sullivan). Bishop Sullivan has a lot of D-I talent on their team. The Charlotte Catholic is always a good game.”

You have a couple of offers now. Which schools have offered you?

“Wake Forest and N.C. State.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Clemson, Florida State, UNC (North Carolina), Duke, Boston College, and Appalachian State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visit or have any lined up?

“I’m going up to Wake Forest in a couple of weeks to see one of their games. I went to Clemson this weekend for the Louisville game. I’m going to N.C. State for the Notre Dame game (Oct. 8).”

Wow, what a great weekend to go visit Clemson. How did the trip go overall?

“It went really good. I didn’t get to go to the locker room but I got to talk to the coaches. I spoke with Coach (Dan) Brooks (defensive tackles coach) before the game. I also talked to one of their recruiting coordinators.”

What did you enjoy most about visiting for the Clemson game?

“The game was amazing. I was so into the game. During the game, I was not really there as a recruit but as a fan. I was out there cheering them on.”

Elijiah, good luck with the rest of your season and have fun on your North Carolina visit.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 56 Elijiah Brown gets another tackle.

Photo credit: charlotteobserver.com; Elijiah Brown.