Interview: Overlooked Cisco 2017 LB Elijah Timarky is a Top JUCO Performer

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Stat lines can give a lot of insight to an individual’s season and Elijah Timarky’s playmaking abilities on the field cannot go unnoticed. Cisco’s sophomore linebacker has been all over the gridiron this season turning in a season’s worth of stats that places him among the best in the NJCAA, a grouping of 65 junior college teams.

Based off statistics, Cisco has two of the best linebackers in the nation in Solomon Hunter and Timarky. Both sophomores averaged over 11 tackles a game each finishing above the 100 tackle milestone in just nine games played. Timarky had 105 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and two pass breakups, Top 5 in the nation.

The jump in productivity shows the 6-1, 230 pound, talent is seeing his game click at the right time for any four-year program in need. Stats posted on NJCAA have Timarky with 53 tackles in eight games during his freshman season with 3.5 tackles for a loss and two passes broken up. All signs show a legitimate football player hitting his stride mixing the mental aspect of the game with physical abilities.

Despite the big productivity, the former Copperas Cove High School (TX) player has been overlooked by most Division-I schools thus far. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Timarky at the conclusion of Cisco’s 2016 season to get the inside scoop on his sophomore season and an update on his recruitment.

Interview

Cisco finished the season against Trinity Valley, how was that game for you knowing that was your last JUCO game ever?

“It was a good game for me. I had around 18 tackles and a pass breakup. I had a couple of kick returns for 30 yards until they stopped kicking to me.”

Nice. The Trinity Valley game was obviously a great game for you, which other game was one of your best this season?

“I’d say Blinn. I had back-to-back sacks in that game and I had 15 total tackles that game.”

Who is the toughest player you’ve gone up against this season?

“Trinity Valley’s running back. No. 11 (Adam Berryman).”

How did that game make you better?

“He was good. It was hard to bring him down. He kept diving through contact. You had to bring it on every play.”

What strides have you made in your game this year?

“I’m hitting the holes more this year. I was in the gap every time. Sideline to sideline, I never got beat. I got better dropping back in pass coverage.”

What are your strengths on the field as a linebacker?

“I feel like I am a very strong linebacker. I don’t miss tackles. I’m fast and I don’t get blocked. I have good footwork and I’m explosive.”

Do you remember what you maxed out at in the weight room this summer?

“My bench was 325, squat 555, and my power clean was 320.”

Really strong numbers. What is your best 40-yard dash time?

“4.65.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“UCA (Central Arkansas), Southern Miss – from a camp I attended there, Southwestern Oklahoma State, Charleston Southern, and Henderson.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits yet?

“No, but I plan on visiting UCA on Friday, Nov. 18.”

What are you excited to learn about UCA during that visit?

“Hopefully I can get an offer, that’s really it and see them play on Saturday.”

What is your overall GPA at Cisco?

“2.8.”

When do you graduate with your associates?

“In December.”

Elijah, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit to UCA.

“Thank you.”

Action photo credits: buccaneersports.com; No. 34 Elijah Timarky

Photo credit: Timarky family; Elijah Timarky in the weight room.