Interview: New Mexico Highland Commitment Interview with 2020 WR Sean Elmore
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Take any inspirational quote you want, “out of the darkness and into the light”, “don’t stop believing”, or “work hard in silence, let success make the noise” – whatever uplifting message one may use, you will find Class of 2020 receiver Sean Elmore. Elmore’s senior season did not go as planned with California’s Etiwanda High School, but he kept working hard and with help from Dawgz Training, the 6-4, 185-pound, talent was able to earn an improbable scholarship offer to New Mexico Highland University this spring.
Now, because Elmore never gave up on his dream but continued to pour more hard work into a dream with unknown results, he will get a chance to earn a college degree while lighting up Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference foes.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Elmore goes into detail on the work put into his game to ensure his future success with New Mexico Highlands (NMHU).
Interview
Sean, although much belated, congratulations on your commitment to New Mexico Highlands University.
“Thank you.”
Before we get into your commitment, where were you lining up in the Eagles’ offense and what were some of the routes you were running during your senior season?
“I lined up on the outside, X and Z. For the routes, mainly hitches, post-curls, or fades.”
When your senior season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
“The deep ball. I feel that I am faster than what people expect. Because I am 6-4, they do not expect me to be fast. I am faster than everyone I go against, and I am good at going up and over the DB to get the ball. Those are my best attributes.”
With no offers, throughout the offseason you kept working and grinding. If you will, detail that process for me.
“You are right, I did not have any offers. After the season, I went straight to Dawgz Training. Coach Griffin, he kept working with me and kept getting my name out there. Slowly, people starting noticing. In April, I got my first offer from Iowa Wesleyan.”
Which aspects of your game were you working on this spring?
“My hands, getting the DB’s hands off me, and my releases. Those were some things I lacked before, but I worked on them over the last eight months, they are my best attributes now.”
As you kept working hard on your game this spring, what was the recruiting process like between you and the staff at NMHU?
“We were often in contact. During our Zoom meetings, they had so much energy. Coach Griffin told me how good their program is and that they are a best fit for me. He told me they can help me get to the next level and help me get my degree. It was a hard decision, but it was the best decision I ever made.”
What did the coaches at NMHU tell you they liked about your abilities on the field?
“My stature, that I am tall and lanky, and that I can move really well for my size. They like that I can play smaller, that I can get down like a 6-2 receiver if needed. Those are things unique that I have that they do not see in many receivers.”
How do they plan to utilize you within their offensive system?
“They said they want me on the outside to get as many one-on-ones as I can. The coaches want me to take advantage of those opportunities. As a freshman, they are not expecting too much but they plan on getting me playing time.”
When did you commit to the Cowboys?
“On May 23.”
Knowing that you get a chance to play college football while earning a degree, how does it feel to have accomplished this major life goal?
“Honestly, I cannot put words to it. My sophomore-junior year, I had lost confidence in myself. It was hard getting past that, not playing as much as I had hoped. I kept working and did not give up. Fast forward to my first offer, I could not explain how happy I was. That was a dream come true after I worked so hard to get it; it was a blessing. I cannot describe how I feel now. Without that first offer, I do not know what I would be doing right now.”
Now that you are set to take on D-II defenses in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, what are your goals before you report?
“Keep doing what I am doing now with Dawgz Training and Coach Griffin. I want to be a role model for others when I get to NMHU. I want to help everyone to help everyone that wants to do better and help them strive for greatness. Coach Griff preaches that to me all the time. Being from California, I want to bring that confidence and light on the football field. I want to set a tone and play the best football I can play.”
Do you have a message for the younger guys coming up behind you that may go through the same process?
“I do. Never give up, work as much as you can. When I was younger, I did not believe that hard work pays off. Maturing, I could have easily given up and been done with football, but I kept going and I did not stop. As long as you do not stop and keep praying, anything is possible as long as you are committed and you do not get sidetracked.
“I want to let everyone know anything is possible with hard work and dedication. It may be hard, but if you do not let things take you away from your goal, anything is possible.”
Sean, you got my fired up in a positive way listening to the passion in your voice and learning about your dedication to your dreams. Keep up the hard work, and I’m wishing you all the success possible with NMHU.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Elmore family; Sean Elmore working out spring 2020