For so long the discussion surrounding Elijah McAllister has been solely about the numbers.
Scouts and recruiters have marveled at his 6’6, 230-pound frame.
Questions were raised about his two knee injuries and surgeries that sidelined him for much of his sophomore season and the entirety of his junior campaign.
And then there are the 21 NCAA Division 1 offers he carried into the new year.
However, what’s most important for the success of Rumson-Fair Haven’s most explosive defensive force are those immeasurable intangibles: his strength of mind and heart.
“I know everybody wanted me to take it slow coming into the season; they were worried about me, but I was ready to go both physically and mentally… I was itching to get out there,” McAllister said.
The senior defensive end has placed his skill set on full display early on in 2017, racking up three sacks, a forced fumble and three more tackles for loss in a Week 2 win over Class A Central foe Holmdel, a 40-24 decision over the Hornets.
In Week 3 McAllister fronted a Rumson-Fair Haven defense that registered its first shutout of the year against a fellow storied Shore Conference program in Middletown South.
In that 35-0 dismissal of the Eagles, the senior created havoc in the backfield, recording two tackles for a loss, another stop for no gain and a sack of High School South quarterback Ben Kinsella.
McAllister also used his incredible strength and length on a third-and-14 play in the first quarter to drive the opposing lineman into Kinsella’s face, forcing the quarterback to loft an arching pass over his outstretched arms that was picked off by junior Mike Lizotte and returned for a touchdown, and a tone-setting 14-0 Bulldogs advantage.
“I have a lot of energy and passion for the game, and that built up while I was on the sidelines last year,” McAllister said. “You really develop an appreciation for being able to play this game when it gets taken away from you. But I’m ready to go now, and the coaches are going to have a hard time getting me off the field. I don’t want to take a play off.”
McAllister’s list of scholarship offers continues to grow, and anyone who sees him compete understands why. But the senior has heard the whispers of those naysayers – and it’s only served as motivation.
“I’ve heard the talk. I’ve been injured, so ‘does he deserve all the attention he’s gotten.’ So, I’m out here this season on a mission. I want to prove those people who don’t think I deserve the attention wrong, and prove to those who have invested their time in me that they were right to do so.”
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