2020 Calvary Baptist 4.5-Star LS/OL Eli Chism Aiming for Louisiana Championship in 2019
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Calvary Baptist Academy, located in Shreveport (LA), has a reputation of sending student-athletes off to the college ranks every season. One of the star seniors of the 2019 Cavaliers team is offensive tackle and long snapper Eli Chism. The Class of 2020 prospect is drawing big-time interest from several college programs including Kansas and Arizona as a 4.5-star long snapper (Chris Rubio). Chism spent time this summer working at different college camps and visiting college campuses showcasing his skills for all to see.
The 6’2”, 225-pound, offensive lineman prides himself on his never quit attitude both on the field and in the classroom where he has a 4.0 GPA. To go along with his outstanding play on the football team, Chism is also on the school’s powerlifting team.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Eli to discuss his high school career, playing under head coach Rodney Guin, and his recruiting process.
Interview
Eli, what are your thoughts on the 2018 season?
“I thought the 2018 season was a very productive year for me as an individual and for the team too. We had a lot of new starters, so it was a bumpy start but we grew as the season went on as we continued to improve and get better. Although we didn’t reach our goal of winning state, we played our hardest every game.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance during your junior season?
“I feel like I got better each week and proved to be a valuable team player, but I still looked to improve every day.”
What was your most memorable moment in 2018?
“My most memorable moment would have to be starting for the first time on varsity and being able to play the game I love with my friends and teammates.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“I received All-District honorable mention at tackle.”
Are you receiving any interest from any colleges?
“Yes, sir. I am receiving interest from Louisiana Tech, Kansas and Arizona.”
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
“I went to camps with Arizona, Louisiana Tech, Florida State and Kansas.”
Have you visited any colleges this summer?
“Yes. I visited Oklahoma State, Arizona, Louisiana Tech and Kansas.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I would say my strengths are I am very coachable, I am mentally tough, and I do not quit.”
What is your GPA?
“4.0.”
What is your favorite subject and why?
“My favorite subject in school would have to be science because I enjoy learning about how different things work and I like doing experiments.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I do power-lifting.”
What is your bench and squat max in the weight room?
“My max bench is 270 and my max squat is 380.”
What are your team and individual goals for 2019?
“My goals for the season are to be a valuable player at tackle and at long snapper. I want to receive first team All-District and help lead our team to a state championship.”
What game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“I think the game I am most excited about is against Byrd because it is a local game and we are always excited to play them every year.”
What do you like most about playing at Calvary Baptist under Coach Rodney Guin?
“I love that Calvary is a small school. You create bonds by knowing everyone in the classroom and on the field. I love how Coach Guin motivates and coaches us. He is honest with us and isn’t afraid to call us out when we aren’t doing our best. He really helps me to play the best to my ability.”
Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Eli Chism family; Calvary Baptist OL Eli Chism attending a camp at the University of Kansas