Like Father, Like Son?
Dreambackfield.com recently caught up with Running Back Elijah Deveaux (6’0 ½ 205 lbs.) of Charlotte, North Carolina. You may recognize the last name because his father, Glenn, was a Running Back at Pitt from 1988-1991. While his father may be an alumni, he isn’t pushing his son to go to Pitt. He wants him to make the decision that is best for him and go where he is wanted the most.
One site has Elijah rated as a 4* prospect and also has him as the 192nd best player in the 2016 class.
At the present time, Deveaux has six offers including Pitt, Boston College, Duke, Mississippi State, North Carolina State and Temple. More offers will be coming for the junior to be. He states “Georgia Tech is going to offer as soon as I walk in the door. They said they want the Head Coach to do it in person. I’m camping at Clemson this summer and they said they’ll offer if I have a good camp.”
Deveaux has an extremely good combination of both speed and power. His tape shows a great burst of speed to accelerate past defenders while also being able to bounce off wimpy tacklers with his strength. When asked what he feels about his play, “I think I’m a balanced Running Back. I can turn on the speed when I need too or use power when needed to run through somebody. I think I’m an all-around, three down type runner.”
While he has been to Pitt with his dad many times, he has visited strictly for recruiting twice. Once was last summer and the other was for Pitt’s win over Notre Dame. “The Notre Dame game was crazy. I think it was homecoming and I tailgated with my dad and his former teammates. It was cool. I got to talk to Coach Chryst ten minutes before the game, which is crazy because I know how stressed out my high school coaches are ten minutes before a game.”
Aside from Coach Chryst, Deveaux has also spoken with new Running Back’s Coach, John Settle. “I like him. He’s from North Carolina and played at Appalachian State. He was a heck of a Running Back and is a high energy guy.” Deveaux has another connection at Pitt as well. Defensive End David Durham is from the same high school and the two are very close. “He tells me that he loves it up there and it’s important to have player perspective.”
When spring comes around, Deveaux trades in his pads for a glove and plays baseball. “I will be playing baseball in college. I’ve already talked to Coach Chryst about it and he’s all for it. Pitt’s baseball team is looking good.”
There is a long time away between now and National Letter of Intent Day 2016 but Deveaux says he’ll make a decision whenever he and his family are ready. “If we’re ready to commit at the end of my junior season, we’ll commit then. I’m going to see how the summer goes and see who offers and take it from there. I’m completely open right now, no favorites at all.”
Follow Elijah on twitter at @E12_D12
