Geismar (La.) Dutchtown High School has produced some elite talent in recent years with the likes of Landon Collins, Eric Reid and Eddie Lacy. One of the senior stars of this year's Griffins team is David Elias, a 6-foot-2, 260 pound defensive end. Although he hasn't had the hype or the press clippings as some of the former players, Elias is up to four Division 1 offers, including one from Arkansas State.
"They actually offered me the summer after my sophomore season by the former staff," David Elias said of the Red Wolves' offer. "The new staff told me the offer still stood. I talk with the coaches all the time on the phone and on Facebook. Coach (Kenny) Ingram came to my high school twice during the spring. I was supposed to go there this weekend for a visit, but they're having a staff meeting, so I guess I'll go another time."
Instead Elias says he will visit Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana Tech over the weekend. His offers include Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, Southeastern Louisiana, and McNeese State. He says he's in no hurry to make a college decisions with many schools expressing interest after impressing them in summer camps.
"I went to camps at Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, ULM at our high school, and Lousiana-Lafayette," he said. I'm really just keeping all of my options open for now and trying to see and experience as many campuses as I can make it to. I'll probably wait until after the season to make a commitment. I'm looking for the right place that feels like home where I can comfortably spend the next four years of my life. My relationship with the coaches will be a big part of my decision too."
As a junior Elias had 68 tackles, five sacks, and two pass breakups. He was named All-Metro and All-District for the second straight year. This year, however, he'll move inside to the 3-technique after spending two seasons at defensive end.
"In the spring I thought I did well [at the position]" said Elias. "You get a lot of double teams. You just have to stay low and violent and make sure you get your hands up. When [Arkansas State] offered me they said they liked my foot work, hands, and my speed for someone my size. I've been trying to increase it by going to speed sessions and I think it's helping a lot."
Elias won state in the shot put for Louisiana 5A with a throw of 55 feet. The Griffins begin their season August 31st at Lutcher, but will have two pre-season scrimmages prior to the first game. He wears No. 91 for Dutchtown football.