Elyjah Staples
Elyjah Staples
About Elyjah
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Expert Analysis
Dame Lester | Prep Redzone Scout
What he does well:
Staples is a long, explosive, high-motor athlete who consistently shows up on tape as a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. As an edge rusher/OLB he has a sudden first step, natural bend, and violent hands that let him create instant pressure and finish with sacks (9 on the year). He plays with great length, disengages blockers cleanly, and shows sideline-to-sideline pursuit speed — he’s rarely blocked for long and runs to the football from the backside. Tackling is fundamentally sound; he wraps, drives through contact, and creates turnovers (3 forced fumbles, 1 pick-6). Versatility stands out — he drops into coverage, plays DE, and even lines up in the secondary at times. On offense he’s a mismatch nightmare at receiver/TE: elite ball skills, strong hands, body control in traffic, and the ability to win 50/50 balls and create YAC (1,137 receiving yards, 25 TDs). The tape screams “playmaker” — he impacts the game every snap whether he’s rushing the passer or hauling in touchdowns.
What would take him to the next level:
At 205 pounds he is still lean for a college edge/LB and will need to add functional strength and bulk to consistently set the edge and anchor against Power 5 offensive linemen and tight ends in the run game. Coverage technique is still developing — he can get a little grabby or stiff in transitions and needs cleaner hip fluidity plus better route recognition when asked to match up man-to-man versus backs and slot receivers. Run-fit discipline occasionally shows some over-pursuit or guessing, which is typical for a high-school athlete playing multiple positions. None of these are deal-breakers; they are all coachable “not yet” traits.
If / how you project to help a team win:
Staples projects as a versatile, three-down outside linebacker or hybrid edge defender who can immediately contribute in a multiple-front scheme. His combination of length, burst, pursuit, and playmaking ability gives him starter upside at the Power conference level and the tools to create negative plays (sacks, forced fumbles, TFLs) that swing field position and momentum. He brings special-teams value right away and gives a coordinator schematic flexibility — rush him, drop him, or even use him as a red-zone offensive weapon if needed. High-character kid with elite academics and multi-sport athleticism (basketball/volleyball background) who will develop quickly and be a culture-plus player for any program. With continued physical maturation and technique refinement, he has the ceiling to become a disruptive, difference-making defender who helps you win games by forcing turnovers and creating mismatches. High-upside prospect who checks every box for a modern college linebacker.
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