From the very first play of the high school jamboree against St. Michael High School when Chad Elzy Jr. returned the opening kickoff all the way for a touchdown, it was evident that the Ascension Catholic High School running back was going to be in for a special type of season.
“He has been doing stuff like this for a long time. He has been working his tail off in the weight room for a long time. I’m just glad that everybody is now getting to see what we have always known that Chad can do.”
Ascension Catholic Head Coach Chris Sanders
Everybody that got the chance to see the 5’9, 189 pound running back in action last year was holding their breath to see what he would next as every time #2 touched the football last season for the Bulldogs, there was a good chance he was going to score. The exciting playmaker from Donaldsonville, Louisiana certainly made a living in the end zone last season with 2,911 yards rushing and 47 touchdowns on only 198 carries. Every attempt, Elzy averaged 15 yards a carry and accounted for 3,468 all-purpose yards and 50 touchdowns.
Those numbers would be insane coming from a high school quarterback, but this was all produced by a running back. Throughout the 2023 season, Elzy put on numerous amount of incredible performances including against St. John when he ran for 348 yards and five touchdowns on only 10 carries to beat a program record.
“That record means a lot. It was a dream come true and I always wanted to break a record. I didn’t even know that I broke it. My dad saw it and contacted me. I was so ready to go to school once I heard the news.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
One would think that a performance like that would top the cake that season, but far from it as the following week he had nine carries for 313 yards and six touchdowns. He saved his best when the Bulldogs needed it the most when he ran for a staggering 461 yards and nine touchdowns in a playoff game against Vermilion Catholic.
Putting up video game numbers like that has earned Elzy a bunch of awards including even becoming a Gridiron Football Player of the Week and a Gridiron Football Player of the Year finalist. What is more unbelievable than Elzy’s stat line is the fact that despite leading the state of Louisiana in rushing, he has only received one offer from Graceland University. With a 3.0 GPA, this star player also has the grades in the classroom.
“First, you are getting a great young man. He is always willing to share the spotlight. He is a team guy, a high character guy, and you are always going to see him smile. Obviously, you put on the tape and you see his play as well. You are getting a smart kid, a hard-working kid, and a good young man.”
Ascension Catholic Head Coach Chris Sanders
“My dream school is any school that accepts me and allows me to showcase my talent and worth. That is my dream school.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
The record breaking All-State running back not only has the numbers, but his ability is off the charts as well. Modeling his game after the likes of Barry Sanders and Christian McCaffery, Elzy is smooth as silk in the open field with 4.5/40 speed but is also not afraid to run over or run through tacklers in order to find the end zone.
“I am a multi-purpose running back that can not only run the ball but can also catch out of the backfield.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
Showcased in our recent Gridiron Football Elite Camp at Covington High School, Elzy jumped an all-time Elite Camp record 10’5 broad jump, and if you have not seen his highlights, there are plenty of instances where he even hurdles players for extra yards. Most of all, Elzy prides himself most on his vision, which he believes is the number one quality in any elite running back.
“Vision, being patient, reading my holes, and following my blockers allows me to be successful.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
Some stars would bask in all the glory, but not Elzy. He loves the game of football so much not because he is obviously good at it, but because of the life lessons it teaches.
“Football has taught me how to value the people around you, how to be a vocal leader, how to take corrective criticism, not to be selfish and trust mt teammates, and how to not take things and time for granted. High school goes by fast and you want to prepare yourself as much as you can. Enjoy your time being there because once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
Ascension Catholic High School has always been known for producing running backs like Germaine Williams and Jai Williams to name a few, but Chad Elzy Jr. is certainly doing what he can to further ink his name into Bulldog lore by not taking this upcoming season for granted and continuing to build on the success that he has already achieved.
“I am working on opening up and becoming a vocal leader for my team this offseason, but I am also working on my footwork, strength, speed, and my stamina.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
After exploding onto the scene last year, Elzy is ready for just as thrilling of an encore. He has also set his eyes on not only just a record smashing season, but even an invite to a particular bowl game at the end of the season.
“Playing the Gridiron Football bowl game is one of my goals because I want to showcase my talent among the best.”
Ascension Catholic High School 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
With another season, Elzy wants to show everybody that his junior season was not a fluke and that there is more in store for 2024.
As far as what else the future holds for Chad Elzy Jr., he is looking to give back to the community once his playing days are over.
“My plans are to graduate college for sports medicine and opening my own rehab center and mentoring younger athletes because I want to give back to others like things were given back to me.”
Ascension Catholic 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr.
Approaching his senior season, Chad Elzy Jr. checks all the boxes when it comes to his play on the field, his grades, and how he approaches his life. What else can you ask for when recruiting a student athlete?
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