Jake Elliott

Jake Elliott (born January 21, 1995) is an American football kicker for the Memphis Tigers.^[1]

History

Early life

Elliott was born in Western Springs, Illinois to Bruce and Diana Elliott.^[2] He excelled in many sports when he was younger including baseball, basketball, and tennis. Elliott when he was younger was considered one of the best youth tennis players in the state of Illinois.^[3] He continued to his tennis career throughout high school as well.^[4]

High school career

Elliott attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois.^[5] Elliot began playing football at Lyons Township when Lyons assistant coach noticed Elliott's talent at a Homecoming contest. He began to kick for the team his junior year and this marked his first time playing organized football. Elliott began making an impact on the team right away.^[6] Proceeding his Junior year season he was an ESPNHS underclass, as well as being named First-Team All-State by the Chicago Tribune.^[7] His Junior season he was most notable for his 52-yard field goal he made with no time remaining against Oak-Park River Forest High School to beat them 16-14. Elliott's Senior season he was named Second-Team kicker for Kohl's All America List after making 15-21 of field goals.^[8] After his senior year, Elliott was given a full scholarship from North Dakota University and Memphis University.^[9] He chose to play for the Memphis Tigers.

College career

Elliott was named the starting kicker after summer training. In his 2013 season Elliott connected on 16-18 field goals.^[10] After his freshman season he led the Tigers with 72 points scored. As well as leading the team he set a Memphis record for his 56-yard field goal on the road at USF. This new Tigers record broke the old school record set by Stephen Gostkowski who hit a 53-yard field goal 2005. He as well was recognized by including being named the American Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week and also one of three players to be named "Stars of the Week" by Lou Groza Award.^[11] Elliott's Sophomore year he led the American Athletic Conference in per game scoring, averaging 9.2 points throughout his season. For the second year in a roll he was named First Team All-Conference as well as being named Conference Special Teams Player of the Year.^[12] He scored 120 points during his season, making 21-of-32 field goal attempts while also converting all 57 extra point conversions.^[13] Elliott kicked the fourth longest field goal in bowl game history. The kick was a 54 yarder extended the Tigers into a second overtime where they won the Miami Beach Bowl in double overtime, 55-48.^[14]

Elliott is averaging 10.7 points a game in his Junior season. Elliott is 22-for-26 this season giving him a 84.6% conversion rate. He was also named a 2015 Lou Groza Award Finalist.

References