Notre Dame S Jalen Elliott Extremely Familiar With Virginia Tech
Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott is no stranger to Virginia Tech as the Richmond (Va.) native has some close ties to the school. Elliott’s parents not only went to Virginia Tech but they also met there.
The 6-foot, 205-pounder is excited to get back to his home state for a primetime game, but he’s also making sure his mind stays on the bigger picture.
“I’m definitely excited, but we have to approach it like any other game,” Elliott stated. “It’s exciting to go home and be in front of my family, but it’s another business trip. We have to have the same focus we had for the first five games.”
As you would imagine, Elliott spent a great deal of time in Blacksburg growing up for various events.
“We went a good amount. It wasn’t all football,” said Elliott. “We had some family play basketball, so we went to some basketball games. I’ve been around there a lot.”
With that said, Elliott knows playing in Lane Stadium will be a challenge for Notre Dame and he’s ready for it.
“It’s unlike a lot of the stadiums in the country,” explained Elliott. “The fans and the atmosphere are tremendous. Walking out to 'Enter Sandman' has been a tradition for a while, and when they come out, the fans definitely get excited. It should be fun.
“The fans are not going to be cheering for us. We have to lock in and make sure we’re doing our jobs. We have to play and play fast. I’ve been able to see the stadium and visit when I was younger. I definitely know a little bit about the stadium, but I’m going there with my team trying to make plays so we can be where we want to be at the end of the night.”
Notre Dame’s defense will be tested by Virginia Tech’s athletic and big receivers. Damon Hazelton (6’2/222) leads the group with 15 catches for 348 yards and four touchdowns, but his running mates Eric Kumah and Hezekiah Grimsley are also playmakers.
“They are a very talented group and strong on the outside,” Elliott explained. “They have some quick guys on the inside. It’s going to be a challenge for us. We have to step up to the challenge and make those plays we’ve been watching on film. We have to continue to communicate.”
Communication has been vital for the Irish secondary this fall, and Elliott believes it’s one of the leading reasons for the improved play.
“Our level of communication has gotten a lot better with each other on all side of the defense,” Elliott said. “Our competition level has gone up. We had talented players and needed an opportunity to show it. When we have an opportunity to make a play, that’s what we want to do.
“Coach (Terry) Joseph has helped us excel, and Coach (Clark) Lea has given us opportunities.”