Free safety exhibits All-American potential

Last year, 20-year-old Eddie Elder, finished the 2008 season with six interceptions and was elected to the All-Northern California Football Team. This year, he was a pre-season All-American player, and is proving it every game. After grey shirting his freshman season, the 5'10'' 187-pound Elder earned a starting role at free safety.

Elder quickly gained notice around the league, totaling 47 tackles, one sack and three pass deflections.

"He is an outstanding football player," Defensive Coordinator Tim Tulloch said. "He has a great feel for the game."

Elder began playing football in 2000 at age 11 in Pop Warner, and continued through high school, initially playing on the offensive side of the ball.

At Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Elder was a two sport athlete, playing football and baseball his junior and senior years.

Baseball took a back seat and soon became a memory to Elder as his passion for football grew.

"My high school coaches really made me want it more, they brought the hunger out of me," said Elder.

Despite a successful campaign last year, Elder still had many aspects of his game to work on. Though there is still room for improvement, he says there is a noticeable difference in his game from last year.

"My technique is more sound, and I'm more aware, things seem slower," said Elder.

Aside from Elder's diligent preparation and ball hawking ability, it is what he can do with the ball in his hands which makes him such a game changing player.

Last season, although never reaching the end zone on any of his six interceptions, Elder did return each back for an average of 21 yards, his longest being 50 yards.

"We're able to start with the ball with a short field; it makes it much easier to play offense," said Head Coach Brett Pollack.

This season Elder is taking it to the next level. Only three games into the season he has already amassed half of his interception total from last season and returned one back for a touchdown against Chabot.

"I'm kind of a gambler," Elder said.

Though Elder may shed his touchdown in a modest light, Tulloch believes it to be much more calculated than simply gambling.

"He works hard on the field and in the film room," Tulloch said. "He knew the situation from studying Chabot and anticipated it."

Elder, a business management major, has his sights set on the NFL, but does have other interests if football doesn't work out.

"I'd like to start a family business, maybe a soul food restaurant," Elder said. "I could be a teacher. I like kids; I'm from a big family."

This season will be Elder's last at CSM, but certainly not his last at the collegiate level.

Elder says schools such as New Mexico State and Arizona State have been recruiting him.

With over two-thirds of the season to go, it is easy to expect more schools to come calling.

"Ed is a great player, he'll go somewhere," said Pollack.

Elder's commitment is to the team, and he is focused on bringing a Northern California Football Association title to CSM. However, he does have individual ambitions which, if achieved, would certainly help that effort.

"I want to be an All-American and go to a (Bowl Championship Series) school," said Elder.