Name: Elijah Chenier
School: Maryville
Position: RB
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 190
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
We won our first outright Conference Championship ever in our school’s history, after a 0-2 start to the season. We also won the Conference Championship my sophomore year. I was able to break the All-Time Leading Rushing record in my last game on our home field. On top of breaking the most rushing yards in a season record and multiple rushing yard single game records. I was named all conference 2 years of my 4 here at Maryville College. Then we played in the NCAA tournament my senior year, which was a huge accomplishment, considering I’ve never played in the playoffs before.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
A humble and hard working teammate that has been through it all. I pride myself in being that player that is willing to work for what I earn and doesn’t take for granted the opportunities presented. They would say I embodied what it means to be a Scot on campus and in the community.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I tend to look at my steps and key reads for when it’s a running play designed for me. Then I like to know what everyone else is doing in the play, so I can know what to expect if I was to make a certain move. I try not to make assumptions on other teams, but being aware of their statistics and tendencies are key to dissecting their defense.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I’m a well balanced back that will block, catch the ball, and run through anyone. I’m not going to get tackled by just one person and I will seize the opportunity when given to me.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I will be graduating in a few weeks and plan to go home in Texas to train. I had a trainer back home that I did a lot of work with over summers and off seasons that I want to get back with. I’ve been putting a lot of time in the weight room right after the season was over and plan to get an agent this summer as well.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I’m willing to do the little things that signifies what a winner truly is. I definitely bring the weight room aspect of the game into perspective. You get a leader that doesn’t do much talking but will lead by an example in everything I do from meetings to practice. I make sure to have the best relationship with my O-line and anyone that is always blocking for me! Those guys deserve so much credit for all the things that us running backs accomplish in this game. I’m very willing to go help out in the community and partake in events that lead to positive impacts.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I’ve been underestimated all my life in football because of my lack of size or speed. Despite all of these misconceptions and unfair circumstances, I overcame each and every obstacle thrown my way. So if you decide to take a chance on me, just know that I will give it my all and continue to beat the odds against me. I would love to suit up again and be able to contribute to anyone’s team! I was blessed to play a really long injury free career of football and I got a lot left in the tank.
