Name: Elijah Rodgers
School: Clemson
Position: CB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

To win a National championship is always the goal and expected at Clemson. We feel short of that but managed to win another ACC championship and build momentum for next season. I also had the goal of helping a young cornerback room mature on and off the field, so I believe I made progress in that area.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I believe they’d say I’m a competitor, a finisher, and someone who leads by example. With the journey that I’ve been on throughout my college career, it would’ve been easy for me to give up. Instead, I simply showed up everyday and punched the clock to get myself better, help grow the young guys, and ultimately help the team in anyway that I could.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

I think it’s important to prepare like a starter because you’re always one play away from being the guy, so I tried to pride myself in doing so. Studying releases and stems vs press man as opposed to playing off was one thing. Another thing was to figure out how I can make everything look different so that alignment wouldn’t give away coverages. Moving to and from different alignements to mess with QBs and WRs. Another thing is knowing top route concept percentages on specific down and distances.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

I don’t quit. As simple as it is, it’s been a staple in who I’ve become in and off the field. I believe every prospect at this point is talented—that’s why they’ve made it this far. There’s gotta be something different that separates a prospect so that they stand out. I think that for me is the fact that I don’t quit, I’m extremely coachable, I give relentless effort, and I’ve never been as issue off the field with even the smallest thing. I was also always more than prepared just in case my number was called.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I’ve stayed on campus training at Clemson where I also trained for my pro day back in March. I’ll keep training here until things change and I get an opportunity.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My feel for the game and the position is a huge plus for me in my opinion. I was a high school quarterback, so playing that position has helped me on the defensive side of the ball. I have great play recognition and the ability to go high point balls well. I also believe I bring a maturity about myself that is rare. I think that’s something that’ll continue to serve me well. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve never been an off field issue. Coaches know if there’s one guy they don’t have to worry about, it’s Elijah Rodgers.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

My journey is one that’s inspiring and shows the kind of player I am, but it also shows what kind of young man I am. I came out of high school and was a fairly high rated guy. I left Indiana University to come back closer to home and it made my entire world crumble. I was away from football and being on a team for almost 3 years until I was able to join Clemson. I was knocked down but I found a way to get back up and finish. I love the game of football and the many lessons that came along with it. I have a humbleness about myself to understand that the game doesn’t “need” anyone so I’ve gotta always know that’s it’s a privilege and a blessing to lace up each day. I love to compete and I love chasing the top. It’s a never ending journey on trying to improve each and every day.