2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Elijah Reed, OL, Colorado State University-Pueblo

• Name: Elijah Reed
• Position: OL
• College: Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 305 lbs
• Twitter: @elireed08
• Instagram: @eli_reed_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up I was always bigger than eveeybody else. I tried different sports like soccer and basketball and had fun but it wasn’t like I was excited. About 4th/5th grade I was begging my pops to let me play football. I remember the first time I put on my helmet and pads and hit somebody, it was a feeling I had never felt before. Since that day, I’ve never thought twice about the game I love.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments playing football was in college. I started as a redshirt freshman in 2018 and the 4th game of the season was against Texas A&M Commerce. At this time, they had just won the National Championship in 2017 so I was ready to compete with the best. We played through an insane amount of rain and ended up beating them 23-13. For me, it was exciting just to know that I could compete with the best of them, especially at a young age.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My Paw Paw aka Grandpa. His work ethic was unmatched. Whether it was work, or taking care of family/friends my Paw Paw would always do the best he could. He never complained and always had a positive attitude. Even if he was struggling he always smiled through the pain and his selfless attitude allowed him to take care of everyone around him. When he passed away in 2019 it was really hard for me and the family but the one of the biggest things learned from him was to always be humble. Embrace both successes and failures, and be mindful of your actions, to give is to receive.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring a competitive edge to the game. Being an offensive lineman, and even more so a tackle, you have to have pride in what you do. When someone lines up in front of you, no matter who they are, how big they are or what they’ve done, each rep you show them that they can’t beat you. Anytime I step on the field, I’m ready to compete, and take another man’s spirit away.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Being a cowboys fan, I’d have to say Larry Allen or Tyron Smith. Allen was a freak of nature, he was a man amongst boys. I’d like to know the work he put in and how he was able to stay consistent throughout his career. Tyron Smith is my all time favorite tackle. His technique, footwork, hand placement and body control is perfectly executed. If I were to hang out with him, I’d love to know some of the drills that helped him get to where he is today.

What are your favorite things about playing football for CSU-Pueblo?

My favorite thing about playing for CSU-Pueblo is that we compete. Whether it’s in the weight room, on the field or even in the film room, we always are competing. We have a great player led program that allows each of us to hold each other accountable so when it comes to studying film, or working out or executing each play, we only expect to see the best out of each other. We push each other day in and day out so that when it’s game time, its only part of the routine we’ve already established.

What should we know about Elijah Reed the person?

I’m a GOD fearing man and family is very important to me. I am always pushing towards greatness whether it is on or off the field. My favorite quote about greatness is from Kobe Bryant. He said that his definition of greatness is to inspire others. I think we all have a purpose in this life, and it’s all about finding yours, but for me I think thats my purpose. Whether it is moving on to the next level or pursuing a different career, I want to be great at what I do. But that will not be defined by me, it will be defined by those around me and I will continue to put in the work and hopefully inspire those around me. One of these days, I would love to go to the ocean. I’ve never been before but I love bodies of water, something about it is just relaxing. I always told myself that I would only go to the ocean when I achieve everything I want to accomplish, until that day, I’ll keep working.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

In my years of playing college football, I’ve had a few different offensive coordinators so I’ve been apart of a lot of different schemes. I think my favorite is the pro-style offense. I like the balance between both run and pass and I think that allows a lot of teams to be successful. For me, I think the pro style gives me the oppurtunity to show all of my strengths. In the run game, I love going heads up with a DE but I can also get out in space and attack. In the pass game, its all about technique and footwork and in this type of scheme, it gives me the ability to show the work I’ve put in.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges with an open mindset. Whether it is in life or on the football field, it can always be worse, and understanding that allows you to realize that even if you have a tough road ahead, don’t worry about how much time it takes to get something done, or how you might not be able to do it or how hard it will be. Just put your head down, go to work, and take it step by step. Muhammad Ali once said, “Don’t count the days. Make the days count” Attack each challenge head on and don’t be afraid to fail, with this mindset I know that I can deal with anything that comes my way.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A leader and a competitor. I think the best way I lead is by my actions both on and off the field. I am able to motivate and inspire the players around me, while handling adversity straight on rather than figuring out a way to avoid it or go around it. My competitve nature also allows me to lead because each individual around me will know, that with everything I do, I am giving everything that I got. I will never shy away from competition and I will do whatever it takes to win each battle both on the field and in life.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

We didn’t have the season we wanted to have this year. Being a 6th year senior, I’m excited to right the wrongs of last year and leave on a high note. I’m excited to go out and compete with my brothers and prove that we are the best team. Our first four games are against playoff teams and I’m ready to show the work not only that I’ve put in but the team as a whole. No matter who lines up across from us, we are going to be ready.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Jonah Stupar. He has started at center at CSU-P for the last 3 years. He’s gotten a little recognition but in my opinion not the recognition he deserves. He is the best offensive lineman I’ve played with. His technique and footwork is efficient and is consistently executed and thats all credit to the work that he puts in day to day. There’s not a weak part to his game, he is one of the best all around players I’ve seen. Center is a hard position on the offensive line, but his ability to understand not only offensive schemes but defensive schemes as well and communicate them effectively with his teammates allows our offensive line and our team to be in a better position every time we step on the field.