by Ben Johnson (@BenJohnsonTUL)8/30/2018 9:28:21 AM
posted in: Articles | 2,341 views
Grant Elerick's measurements won't jump off the page at you -- but he's working on it. Following a sophomore season, where he passed for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns, Elerick is all about sizing up.
"Putting weight on and getting stronger and faster were my main focus points for my own self improvement," Elerick (6 feet tall, 150 pounds) said of his offseason activities leading up to his junior season this year. "As far as football goes, I went to various camps to improve all aspects of my game."
It may be a short sample size, but so far so good. In Stroud's 44-22 win over Chandler, Elerick completed 23 of 27 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns -- good enough to be voted as this week's Skordle Player of the Week.
"Overall, I was proud of how we performed as a team," Elerick said of the victory over the Lions. "Beating Chandler is always fun. It was a good game, but not a perfect game. There are still many areas we need to improve upon."
One area Elerick hopes the Tigers can alter their fortunes this season is in the health department. Myriad of injuries derailed the Tigers in 2017, resulting a 4-6 campaign and on the outside looking in during last season's playoffs.
"Last year, we struggled with injuries," Elerick said. "This year, to be successful, we need our best guys on the field as much as possible and without injuries. We have a lot of talent, so stepping up to the challenge and performing at the level that I know we can will be our main focus."
For Elerick, football in Stroud has become a full-time family activity. His father, Chris, is now in his 14th year at the helm for the Tigers. And Grant is joined by his twin brother, Drew, who plays wide receiver and linebacker.
"There are pros and cons that can go both ways with that," Grant Elerick said of playing for his dad and with his brother. "For the most part, I enjoy it. My brother is a great teammate and an all-around positive person. I am very grateful to be able to play with a guy like him.
"As a head coach, my dad set the bar really high for this season. There is more pressure and more on the table for me with him being my head coach, but I'm always ready to step up to a challenge. I enjoy playing for a guy like him."
And if Grant is anything like the player he's tried to mold himself after, he shouldn't have any problems coming his way.
"As of now, I love watching Baker Mayfield," Grant Elerick said. "The way he competes and the passion he has for the game is something I look up to. He is a true leader of men."
