Elisha Saragusa is a 5’9, 173 lb athlete out of Independence High School. Elisha is a do it all kind of guy. The class of 2027 athlete plays free safety, outside linebacker, fullback, and is also the teams third string quarterback. Elisha is a young player with room to grow, but he already displays amazing attributes. He is very agile, clocking in a 4.6 second 3 cone shuttle at Gridiron Football’s most recent Elite Camp in Covington, Louisiana. The talent doesn’t end there either. Elisha also broad jumped an impressive 8 feet and 10 inches. He is a very smart player. He knows his role within the team and executes it to his highest ability. Elisha is known to bring energy to the locker room, making him the ultimate glue guy. He gets his responsibilities done off the field, boasting a 3.8 out of 4.0 GPA. Elisha showed hustle and heart during every second of Gridiron’s Elite Camp. He consistently went for every pass break up during 1 on 1 and 7 on 7 drills, along with showing a will to get better during individual drills. Elisha has been playing ball since he was 7, and I believe he will be playing long after he graduates high school.
What made you fall in love with football?
I’ve always played it, but I didn’t really fall in love with it until last year when a coach was introduced into my life. I saw how much he loved the game and I wanted to experience that same feeling. He took me to a college football game and I really got to see how the players do everything before and after games. I was able to go to their weight room and see everything. It was just a really nice experience and that’s what I want to do when I grow up.
What are some goals for yourself, and for your team next season?
Some personal goals for myself are gaining better balance, get stronger in the weight room, and footwork. Those are the main things I am working on for myself. From a team standpoint, just mature. Some of my teammates are still childish and just see this as a fun game, when it can really make a life for you.
What is the most challenging part about playing football?
Just believing in yourself because a lot of stuff happens. Sometimes you mess up on a play. You might miss a tackle, drop an interception, not execute a block, but you have to keep your head up and focus on the next play. That’s one thing I struggle with.
What did you learn from this most recent Gridiron Football Elite Camp that you are going to take into next season?
One thing I really learned is how much you have to compete. It’s just fun to compete.
Building off that last question, what was your favorite part of the camp?
What I was looking forward to, and enjoyed the most, was the combine. I loved doing the 40, shuttle, and broad jump.
What has been your biggest improvement since you started playing football?
My biggest improvement is discipline. With eye discipline I am able to read a play happening faster than I could before. My overall football knowledge and IQ has heavily improved as well.
What is a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you get past it?
A challenge that I have faced, and this is both on and off the field, is being the best person I can be. I want to be the most honest person, and have a positive mood because your mood affects others.
What is your dream college to play football at?
LSU is definitely one because of how close it is to home. I also like Oregon a lot.
What is your biggest strength on the field?
My biggest strength is that I have a lot of energy on the field. I like to be a little hype sometimes and boost my teammates morale.
How do you balance schoolwork and football?
When I am in the classroom, it is strictly school work. I do what I need to do and always try to be on my teachers good side. If I miss an assignment, they’ll normally give me that extra hour or extra day I need to complete it. With football, when it’s time to lift its time to lift. When it’s time to practice, it’s time to practice.
Who is your way too early Super Bowl winner for next season?
I really wanted the Ravens to go all the way this year, but with this upcoming draft, I’m gonna have to say the Lions.
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