Elliott Mealer (August 7, 2007)

 
N2FL:  At what age did you start playing football?
 
E.M.:  I started football in 5th grade. I moved to Wauseon in 5th grade from a school that did not have football and my first year here was the first year of " Midget Football" for 5th and 6th graders.
 
N2FL:  When and who was your first scholarship offer?
 
E.M.:  My first scholarship offer was at the end of basketball season around the end of February. It was from Miami, Ohio.
 
N2FL:  How many scholarship offers do you currently have?
 
E.M.:  I have 14 scholarship offers.
 
N2FL:  What was your favorite college team growing up?
 
E.M.:  My favorite team was Ohio State. I bled Scarlet and Gray.
 
N2FL:  Favorite NFL Team?
 
E.M.:  My favorite NFL team is the Cleveland Browns.
 
N2FL:  Do you try and idolize any specific player?
 
E.M.:  I idolize any player who is humble and works hard to accomplish the team goals.
 
N2FL:  You committed to the Wolverines in April, why did you decide to end the process so early?
 
E.M.:  After awhile I knew I wanted to be apart of the OSU/UM rivalry. I had felt for the longest time that UM was the place for me.
 
N2FL:  What were some of the considerations when choosing your school?
 
E.M.:  The number 1 reason I chose Michigan was because of the great coaches there. I loved the way the coaches reached out to me and treated me. I really felt wanted, not just needed there and the coaches showed their true colors when it came to that. The whole staff was great to me. I also really like the town of Ann Arbor. It is only about an hour and 20 minutes away from my town. It reminds me of Wauseon, just bigger. I'm a homey person so that helps.
 
N2FL:  What position would you prefer to play in college? Who is recruiting you to play where?
 
E.M.:  I am willing to play wherever the Michigan coaching staff thinks I will help the team best. I have been recruited as an Offensive Lineman.
 
N2FL:  Are there any schools who continue to recruit you despite your commitment to Michigan?
 
E.M.:  Nothing other than mail.
 
N2FL:  Who was your lead recruiter at Michigan?
 
E.M.:  Coach Mike DeBord
 
N2FL:  Despite your pledge to the Wolverines, will you take any "official visits" anywhere else?
 
E.M.:  Nope, my decision is final and I don't have a doubt in my mind that Michigan is the place for me.
 
N2FL:  Was there another school(s) in consideration before you pulled the trigger on the Wolverines, and what was it about Michigan that ultimately sold you on them?
 
E.M.:  Ohio St. was the other leading school for me. Despite the fact that I didn't have any offer from them, I loved them growing up and I wanted to keep them in consideration. Even so, I felt that Michigan had the upper hand the whole process. I prayed about it a lot and in the end I knew that Michigan was the place for me. I went from 90% sure to 110% UM was the place for me.
 
N2FL:  What are some of your playing strengths?
 
E.M.:  I believe that I am a great leader out on the field. I help the team stay focused in times of struggle and times of success. I think I also am a great run blocker. Although I don't get much work on the field at pass blocking (since I am a tight end), I have worked at that for the pass 2 years in the off season, and I believe that is a great area of strength for me too.
 
N2FL:  What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?
 
E.M.:  I believe getting bigger, strength wise, and getting quicker feet are two key things. My feet will be huge for me at the next level. I need to also get my technique better in all areas of blocking.
 
N2FL:  How do you feel about Redshirting?
 
E.M.:  If the Michigan coaching staff wants and needs me to do that, I will be more than happy. I'll do whatever is best for the team.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a major in mind?
 
E.M.:  Communications
 
N2FL:  What are your goals for your senior season?
 
E.M.:  My number 1 goal for my high school football team is to win league. I believe if we win our league we can go on to playoffs and finish our season with a success.
 
N2FL:  What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far?
 
E.M.:  I never heard any crazy pitches. All schools were respectful of other schools and were straight forward with me.
 
N2FL:  Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending Texas with you?
 
E.M.:  Yes, I've contacted most of the commits and some of the recruits. I tell them what I believe as a fellow recruit and try my best to help get the players UM wants at UM.
 
N2FL:  Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
 
E.M.:  God has always been #1 for me and I wouldn't be where I'm at without his blessings and guidance. Also my parents and my brothers have been great influences in my life. They have been through many struggles and I have learned from the achievements they have made too. They are always supportive of me.