Locked On Hawkeyes - Daily Podcast On Iowa Hawkeyes Football & Basketball - 2020 TE commit Elijah Yelverton joins the show to talk about his recruitment, winning a Texas state championship, and when he expects to arrive on campus

Episode Date: May 16, 2019

We are joined on today's show by class of 2020 TE commit Elijah Yelverton, who held offers to 36 total schools before committing to join the Iowa Hawkeyes. We talk about high school football, getting ready for Iowa, and how awesome it was to see Fant and Hockenson be selected in the first round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are listening to the Locked On Hawkeyes podcast, your daily podcast covering the Iowa Hawkeyes for the Locked On Sports Network, hosted by Andrew Wade, editor at DearOldGold.com. Welcome to another edition of the Locked On Hawkeyes podcast, your daily podcast covering your Iowa Hawkeyes on the Locked On Sports Network. I am your host, Andrew Wade, editor over at DearOldGold.com, and like we've been doing lately, we have another interview coming at you today. This one's going to be really great. I'm really excited about it.

We recorded this about two weeks ago, and I've been really excited to release this. But obviously, with some of the other interviews we've been doing, had to push it back a little bit. But on today's show, we have Elijah Yelverton, a three-star tight end recruit coming out of Dallas, Texas, who's going to be joining the Iowa Hawkeye football program in the class of 2020. He's on the show today to talk to us about his high school career, winning a Texas State Championship, what he's most excited about joining the Iowa Hawkeye football program, and how much of an impact TJ Hawkinson and Noah Fant had on his decision. So we talk about all of those things. I think you're going to really enjoy the interview.

Great kid, very respectful, much like talking to Deuce. I thought it got a very similar vibe from both those kids. Very hardworking. Ready to jump right into it and excited about their future Iowa Hawkeye career. So we have that interview coming up on today's show. Before we jump into that though, we have a couple housekeeping items. If you have just joined the show for the very first time today, make sure you're checking out some of our previous episodes. We've had some great guests on the past couple weeks. We've been working with the Iowa United and getting all of those players on to do their kind of player

preview podcast. So we had Marcus Fizer, number four overall draft pick in the 2000 NBA draft. He's going to be joining the Iowa United. He was also on the podcast on Tuesday. So check out that interview. Great conversation with Marcus Fizer. We also had, you know, former walk-on, do-it-all forward, Nicholas Bayer on the show a couple weeks ago to talk about his Iowa Hawkeye career and what it means to join Iowa United and to wear Chris Street's number. We also had UW-Milwaukee forward

and Urbandale, Iowa native Matt Tybee on the show last week. We did a special three-part series with him just because we had a great conversation, wanted to make sure we gave all that information out to you. So we did a three-part series on Matt Tybee. And we have some great guests coming up as well. We have Nick McGlynn, Reed Timmer, and Josh Young, all from Drake, all going to be playing on the Iowa United basketball team.

They are also going to be joining the shows later on in the next couple weeks. And I think kind of the most special announcement that we have is that we have former Iowa Hawkeye quarterbacks Drew Tate and Ricky Stanzi joining the show over the coming weeks. So stay tuned for some of the great podcasts we have coming out. Obviously, with the kind of slower months, we don't have as much sports talk going on, so we want to make sure we're getting you some great guests. So it's not going to stop here. We have plenty of stuff coming out,

but make sure you are tuning in to some of our previous interviews as well. Those things were awesome, very fun to do. We also talked to Kevonte Martin-Manley, Iowa's all-time receptions leader. So lots of great stuff right here on the Locked on Hawkeyes podcast. If you are enjoying what you are listening to, or if you're loving the first two and a half minutes of your Locked on Hawkeyes experience, make sure to like and subscribe wherever you downloaded this podcast at. That helps us out a ton.

Also, make sure to give us a review. If you love what you're listening to, give us a review. If you don't like what you're listening to, let me know what you think of the show and let me know what we can improve on. Obviously, I want to make sure that I'm giving you the best content for all of you Hawkeye fans. And also, if you are on social media, make sure to follow us on Twitter at LockedOnIowa. Make sure to follow us on Facebook at LockedOnHawkeyes.

And you can follow me, your host, Andrew Wade, at Wade underscore Andrew on Twitter. And if you've been tuning in, you love the Iowa United concept. You're really excited to see them play in the basketball tournament, the $2 million winner take all tournament. Make sure to go support the Iowa United on thetournament.com. That's how they get into the tournament. So we're doing all these player interviews with the Iowa United on the tournament.com. That's how they get into the tournament. So we're doing all these player interviews with the Iowa United team, but it doesn't mean anything if you guys don't go and support them. And it's super easy.

It takes a couple of minutes, just a couple of clicks and you can support them and their chance to get in to the tournament. So really excited about that. Make sure to go support them as well. That being said though, cover all the housekeeping items on today's episode of the Locked on Hawkeyes podcast. We're going to jump into the interview with Elijah Yelverton right now.

All right, we have a very special guest today. I am joined here by Elijah Yelverton, a tight end commit in the class of 2020 for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Yelverton is heading into his senior year at Bishop Dunn High School out of Dallas, Texas, and he'll be joining the Iowa Hawkeyes in a little over a year from now. Elijah, my man, how you doing, buddy? I'm doing great. How are you? Not too bad, man. It's Monday night, so you survived the first day of the week,

and I'm excited to get through the rest of the week. Yes, sir. So you actually started your spring practice tonight. Is that correct? Yes, sir. We started the first day of spring. Man, that's awesome. So how long does that go for? We did 16 periods, so it probably took about an hour and a half.

Nothing big, but we got after it today. Awesome, man. And so what are you doing this summer then? Are you going to be kind of continuing that training and whatnot into the summer with like seven-on-seven camps and whatnot? Yeah, so we'll be doing seven-on-seven. We have summer workouts uh in the mornings and then you got a personal trainer that gotta go to and get me right that's awesome you're working with a personal trainer already yes sir i guess it's i mean it's a whole new ball game in texas football

man i'm from iowa so the the football the football game up in Iowa is a lot different than in Texas it's crazy down here uh high school football it's a religion it's just it's a monster out here but it's we're killing it I love man I saw that you guys actually won the state championship last year is that correct yes? Yes, sir, that is. How was that? Was that a cool experience? Oh, yeah. It was definitely a dream. I mean, everybody wants to win it, and not many do, so definitely blessed. Absolutely, and so do you think you have a good enough team to win it again

this year? Oh, for sure, no doubt. Gonna start it today. I love the confidence, man. And so, coming into, obviously obviously your senior year of high school and you're already committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes, how is that for you as far as kind of your game prep and whatnot? I mean, obviously you're looking forward to your senior year,

but you're also looking ahead, I'm assuming, to the Iowa Hawkeyes. How do you kind of balance that in terms of high school and college? So, I mean, every time I train, of course, I'm just getting ready for the season. But in the back of my head, I'm always just thinking, got to get ready for Iowa because we're just working on something. And hopefully I can graduate early and get up there in the spring. So it's a little shorter timeline.

So definitely working really hard to get my body ready and mentally focused and getting ready. I love it, man. And one of the things actually I want to talk to you about is it sounds like you are planning on going in in your spring semester. So you are planning on graduating early and going to Iowa at your spring semester. Is that correct? Yes, sir. That's the plan. Oh, yeah. It took a lot of thought. I mean, yeah, it's my senior year, but the ultimate goal is to make it all the way. And just seeing the two guys that made it this year in the first round,

it's just me wanting to get there early, the relationship with the coaches and the players and my teammates, and just grind and the players and my teammates, and just grind and get ready and prepare, learn the playbook and everything. I love it. Honestly, you couldn't be going to a better situation as far as the University of Iowa is considered. To me personally, I consider them tight end you. I don't know how you would look at them.

Absolutely. I love it. How did that play into your decision this year? Obviously, you committed about a month or so ago. Is that correct? Yes, sir. Yeah. So how did that play into your decision? You saw George Kittle become an All-Pro as a fifth-round draft pick.

Noah Fant, TJ Hawkinson, All-Americans drafted in the first round. Did that have a big impact on your decision? It definitely had an impact. on your decision? It definitely had an impact, but me and my dad, even throughout the beginning of the season, we kept up. We liked Iowa. Iowa was always one of the top schools. But I just kept going through the process. And then, like you said, a month and a half ago, I was like, decided, I was like, it's the right place for me, the right fit. I love the system and the coaches, and just ready to get after it. I love it, man. Well, we are excited to have you as an Iowa Hawkeye. I think I speak for all Iowa fans, especially when you committed.

We were pumped. One of the questions, and you don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but you are currently ranked a three-star recruit. And personally, I think that's kind of garbage. I mean, I've watched some of your tape. You play a lot of different positions. You're very versatile. And you received 36 offers. Alright, so do you put any clout into that ranking, or do you

not care at all? It doesn't bother me at all. I'm just blessed with the opportunity to get chances to go to the next level. The way I see it is stars don't really matter. I mean, I made it. Once you get to college, stars don't mean anything.

So that's the way I think about it, three stars. Okay, that's cool. You already have the great mentality coming into it. I mean, you saw what T.J. Hawkinson did as a three-star recruit out of a small town in Iowa. Redshirt sophomore is now, you know, a top-ten draft pick in the NFL. So I love it, man. Oh, yeah.

So real quick, was, you know, obviously getting 36 offers, that's a pretty big deal. Was that a pretty humbling process, seeing all those, you know, all that love kind of come in for you? Oh, no doubt, for sure. Just seeing so many people pour their time into me and all the effort and just everything, it really made me appreciate things and appreciate my situation. And it made me just think about the process

and everything at another level. I love it. And who was your actual first offer coming from? at another level. I love it. And who was your actual first offer coming from? So my first, my first,

there was one day I actually, I picked up three offers. In the same day? Yeah, and within the hour. Oh man. So it was, so I really don't know. What a day.

I don't know which one was the first because Nebraska came to our school and they they uh offered they pulled me out the classroom and offered me but uh Iowa coach called my coach and told him I had the offer and then uh so it's either between those two schools i still haven't figured out but that's awesome was the uh the nebraska offer from scott frost or was it pre scott frost uh yes it was thorough i love it man well i'm glad you became an iowa hawkeye um obviously if you follow any of the rivalries and whatnot, Nebraska is quickly becoming probably the most hated rival out of all Iowa rivals. So I'm glad you did not choose to go there. Did not want to see you in the black and red. Oh yeah, I know. I've heard a lot

about it. Yeah, I love it, man. I've had some teammates that got nice, so they let me know. So speaking of your teammates, buddy, so you actually have another teammate who is being recruited by Iowa, Brennan Scott. Have you talked to him at all about whether or not he's going to join the Hawks? Have you been kind of in his ear trying to get him, give him some extra motivation to come up to Iowa City? I mean, it's been a process for both him and I

so I just to be honest I just let him do his thing but I tell him like hey

let's make it happen I mean that'd be awesome he's a hell of a player so it'd be great if he came I tell him though

yeah make the transition a little bit easier for you knowing someone coming in oh yeah and speaking of speaking of guys you know so I don't know. Yeah, make the transition a little bit easier for you, knowing someone coming in. Oh, yeah. And speaking of guys you know, so I actually had Deuce Hogan on the show a few weeks ago, and I actually asked about you.

It was very well-timed. I did not plan it, but very well-timed. I asked about his recruitment of you because he's a very active guy on Twitter, kind of letting everyone know they should come to Iowa, and I think it's great. And one of the guys, you know, obviously he was talking to was you, and so I asked him how much he talked to you, and it sounded like, you know, a couple times a month.

Be honest with me now. Was he in your ear a bunch? Was he kind of bugging you, saying, let's go make this happen? It wasn't bugging me, because, I mean, we know. We got together what we can do. But no, we did talk probably a few times a month. And he's just like, hey man, let's make it happen. You see what's happening right now.

And just looking at all my other options, I'm like, he's a great quarterback. so it'd be amazing to link up there and we can make something really happen. Absolutely. And so you guys actually play in a similar – so you're D1 and he is D2 in the Taps division or the Taps kind of area. So how often do you see him play or how often do you guys actually link up in terms of football-wise? We haven't linked up yet. We actually talked about probably next weekend or in the following weekend,

link it up and throw in some rounds or something and working out together, just building a connection. But as far as seeing each other play, we've been, I mean, Friday nights, so we haven't really gotten to see each other, but just after watching film and video, it's real good. Absolutely. I'm sure Kirk and the guys up in Iowa City

love to hear that answer, the fact that you guys are building that chemistry and that connection over a year before you even begin your time in Iowa City. So that's pretty awesome to hear. Our plan is to come in and get straight to business. Definitely. I mean, there's going to be some openings.

Nate Stanley's going to be graduating. There's going to be some tight end spots open. So there's a good chance or an opportunity for you two to make an impact. And having that chemistry will be huge for you both. Oh, yeah, no doubt. So tell me about the Iowa recruiting process. I mean, I've heard a lot about it. You know, obviously talked to Deuce,

heard from other recruits, and then doing some research in and out of myself and hearing from Kirk Ferentz and what he kind of believes in the recruiting process. They believe in being very honest and up front with guys, letting know, letting you know exactly how they feel about you and, you know, making sure it's a good fit for the both of you, not just for the Hawks.

So tell me about that recruiting process specifically with Iowa. What did you enjoy about it? Kind of what was your, like you said, you talked to your dad a lot about it, but what was kind of your thought process throughout the situation? Well, so, yeah, I made sure Coach Vance and I, Coach Vance, our son, we got on the phone probably once a week and we would just talk about personnel and how to fit in and just that type of stuff, just talk football. And kids are simple, kids are straight, you got straight to it. let's just talk football.

And Kev's is simple. Kev's is straight. He got straight to it. And so I know what it holds, and it just, I think, was the perfect fit for me. And so, yeah. And then Coach Kirkfair, he gave me a call, and he was just asking how the recruitment process was going and everything and how my family was.

And I was like, oh, it's going good, but I actually wanted to call you tonight to say I was going to commit. And he was like, oh, really? I caught him off guard, and he was excited. I was excited. It was great just making it final and everything. That's awesome. I feel like he doesn't really get rattled very easy.

I mean, he won. I think he set the record for career wins this year, and he cried a little bit. He cried a little bit when Nick Easley was talking about him. But you don't really see him get rattled, but I can only imagine when he gave you a call, he was probably not anticipating that, and so you committing was awesome for him.

Oh, yeah, it definitely was. It was a great moment we uh it was just you know i love man so do you feel like you have a weight off your back at this point you know you're committed to iowa um you're good to go are you just kind of do you feel like a breath of fresh air at this point like you kind of know what the next step is oh for sure uh you know i had a lot during the recruitment process, a lot of coaches and everything, which I appreciate all the time and everything, but it was a lot. So now just to narrow it down to one and just main focus on one is definitely way off my bag. Main focus on one is definitely halfway off my bag. Definitely, man.

And so real quick, you talked a little bit about Brian Ferenc, calling you and talking to you about personnel and how you kind of fit into that. When I watched your tape, man, you move around all over the place, and I'm assuming that's just high school football and wanting to make sure they get the best athletes and the best players the ball. But I saw you play in line. I saw you split out wide.

I saw you play H-back and also a little bit of defensive end. So do you pride yourself on that versatility? And what has the Iowa coaching staff talked to you about? Because I'm assuming you know as well that they're really open to moving guys around if they see a better fit, and that usually works out pretty well. So do you pride yourself on that versatility, and do you see yourself as a tight end first and foremost? Oh, yeah, definitely.

Definitely tight end. I mean, I got some good clips on defense, but mainly it's just I'm going to Iowa to be a tight end. But, yeah, you can put me hip behind the tackle. You can bring me in line. You can move me outside behind the tackle. You can bring me in line. You can move me outside. Move me a slot. I think that's what's caught the eye of a lot of people

is just my versatility, speed for my size, and just power and just being a athlete, I guess. Absolutely, man. So have you actually been clocked in the 40-yard dash before? To be honest, the last time I did it was my freshman year because I started playing baseball and they started doing that and I'm out at a game an hour away.

Yeah, no worries. All good. I mean, I'm sure whatever it is right now is going to improve even more when you get in the weight room with Chris Doyle, man. Oh, yeah, no doubt. So what is your ideal college playing weight? I'm assuming the coaches have talked to you a little bit. It sounds like based off the recruiting profile, you're around 225 pounds.

Is that what you're currently at? And kind of where do you foresee yourself growing to especially you know you have a tall frame man so what what kind of weight do you plan on playing at uh yeah i'm still currently 225 uh i'm trying to get up to 230 uh before season maybe 230 35 for the senior season and then uh what season ends that short period before i head up to iowa uh probably i'll probably say 235 and then get up there and i'm uh i'm pretty sure uh during that spring season they'll get me up to probably 245 i think that's what our goal is so far so definitely a lot of protein shakes. A lot of time in the weight room with Doyle.

Oh, yeah. So, man, you're down in Dallas. I've been to Dallas a few times. It's a lot warmer than Iowa, man. Are you ready for that cold? Oh, yeah. It's definitely a lot warmer down here, but, no, we've had some –

I don't think it's that big a difference playing some cold ones. I know it's a little colder up there, but I think I'll adapt to it. At the end of the day, just going to play football. I love it, man. And so real quick, when I was doing some research, I saw that Bishop Dunn was actually aired on ESPN a few times. Yeah. What was that like for you? I mean, being research, you know. I saw that Bishop Dunn was actually aired on ESPN a few times. Yeah. What was that like for you?

I mean, being a high school kid. It was awesome. Just, like, lots of words. And I think it was great. It was great for me because just getting ready to be on the national stage and on TV in front of, I don't know, Hawkeyes. Have the best fan base. So, it was definitely a good opportunity to get used to it.

On a smaller scale. Yeah, it's a very dedicated and devoted fan base. Can't argue with that. One of the things, actually, when I was talking to Deuce, he said that he wasn't a big college football fan in terms of he didn't have a favorite team. But down in Dallas, when the Cowboys came on, everyone was rooting for them. They had big barbecues and whatnot waiting for the games. Is that kind of how your lifestyle has been? Are you a big Dallas Cowboy fan?

Do you kind of tailgate some of that stuff? And a lot of family and friends come over and everyone watches the game? How does that work for you? Yeah, we're all diehard Cowboy fans so when the games come on we definitely get all the family together friends and just grill out and just enjoy watching some Cowboy football. Sounds fun I mean except for I gotta rib you a little bit here But The Cowboys haven't been so hot lately Yeah we're A little heartbroken this season But

I think Hopefully This next year I mean you got Amari Cooper You got Dak Prescott I think There's some foundational pieces there I think

You signed Randall Cobb? I think so I think that's what we trade there. Yeah, Randall Cobb, too, I think. You signed Randall Cobb? I think so. I think that's what we trade for him early in the year. Nice. I'll double-check that. I mean, I'll take your word for it, but that's exciting. I mean, I've got to be honest with you, I'm a big Iowa fan, been an Iowa fan my whole life, and the fan base is absolutely incredible,

and you're going to love it. Supportive, there for you, and just genuine and honest. So I think you're going to feel right at home when you're in Iowa City, man. Oh, no doubt. I already see glimpses of it. I know it's going to be great. Yeah, I mean, I'm sure you're on Twitter right now. You probably, as soon as you committed to the Hawks,

I'm assuming you probably got a couple hundred followers just from Iowa fans. At least, yeah. That's how they go, man. You've got to live and breathe Iowa Hawkeye football. There's no pro sports teams in Iowa City. Are you planning on making it up to Iowa City this year at all to attend any games or just kind of check it out and meet up with any new recruits? Yeah, so me, Deuce, and the other guys

that are committed so far, we got a group chat. We're just talking. We're trying to make it all up together. And on a weekend and take an official, we don't know when it is yet, but that's the plan so far.

Sounds fun, man. Well, the Hawks are supposed to have a pretty good season this year. They're ranked 18th by some pools and, in general, just ranked in the top 25, so it should be a pretty fun year. They've got some pretty good home games. Oh, yeah. Definitely excited to keep up and hopefully make it to a few of them. Absolutely, man.

Well, hey, I appreciate your time. I have a few quick questions for you just to get to know you type of stuff. You can answer them. You don't have to answer them. But, you know, obviously with Avengers Endgame coming out, what is your favorite superhero? Thor, for sure. Hell yeah.

All right. And what is your favorite non-football activity? I mean, I know you spend a lot of time playing football, but when you don't play football, what is your favorite activity, buddy? That's hard. I have to tell you. I'd say probably fishing. All right. What kind of fishing do you get in Texas?

I mean, obviously there's a different kind of fish in every part of the country, but what type of fish are you catching down in Dallas? I'm mainly just catching bass and crappie. I love it. And before your football games, what is your favorite pump-up song? I love it. And before your football games, what is your favorite pump-up song? That depends because every year they come out with a whole bunch of new songs and it always changes.

I don't know about that one. Fair enough, man. And so far, I think I might know the answer to this, but what has been your favorite football memory so far? Oh, yeah, definitely win that state game. Yeah, it's kind of hard to beat that. What are you most excited about from being an Iowa Hawkeye, and what do you think you're going to bring to the program? Definitely the scheme and offense and just go win some bowl games and hopefully get to the next level. I love it, man.

Well, hey, Elijah, I don't want to take up too much of your time. Obviously, it's spring practice tonight, your first spring practice of the year. You're still dealing with classes and whatnot. So I'm going to let you go now. Is there any last second things you want to let Hawkeye Nation know before we jump off the call? I don't think I'll say we understand that. I love it, man.

Well, hey, Elijah, thank you so much, buddy. It was nice talking to you. I'm excited to see you play in the black and yellow, and I'll be rooting for you this high school season. Hopefully, Bishop Dunn can go win another state championship, buddy. Yes, sir. Appreciate it. Awesome. Talk to you later, pal. Alright. Have a good one. You too.

Bye. Bye. Alright, and that concludes the interview with Elijah Yelverton. Again, a big shout-out to him for jumping on the show. He joined me after his very first day of spring practice. You know, he had obviously high school football and then had to eat dinner and then was able to jump on the show with me. So very busy kid took the time out of his day to talk to me about, you know, all things football. And I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat with him. And what I'm really starting to realize is that I'm

incredibly excited about this class of 2020. These kids are fun. They're, you know, they're engaged. They're so ready to be Iowa Hawkeyes. And the biggest thing I think when I talk to them is they just truly embody what it means to be an Iowa Hawkeye. The values are there. You know, the respect is there. The hard work is there. So I'm excited to see what this class can do. And we're going to hopefully get a few more other commits in the class of 2020 on this show to talk about their experience as well. Working on that right now. Just a quick reminder that we do have former Iowa Hawkeye quarterbacks Drew Tate and Ricky

Stanzi joining the show over the coming weeks. Make sure to tune into the Locked on Hawkeyes podcast later on in the future. If you did like what you heard today, again, I'm going to keep harping on this. All right, but please make sure to like, and subscribe wherever you download this podcast at, and make sure to follow us on Twitter at locked on Iowa.

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But that being said, I really appreciate you all joining the show today. Absolutely enjoy you listening. Enjoy the feedback and the comments you all are giving me. Please keep bringing that stuff in. Love to hear what we can do to improve the show. But I just, again, appreciate the opportunity to provide you some great content on the Locked On Hawkeyes podcast, part of the Locked On Sports Network. Have a great day, Hawkeye Nation, and go Hawks! We'll see you next time. you