“I’m a clone of that guy for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Le’Veon Bell.” Lawrence Elliott Jr. Says His Hard Work Won’t Go Unnoticed in the NFL

The NFL Draft still has two days before the final list of players is in. But a running back who may not hear his name called is going to turn a lot of heads at the next level.

Must Read: Grading the Steelers First-Round Pick

For four years, Lawrence Elliot Jr. has dominated the backfield at Bloomsburg University. The explosive running back out of Utica, New York is known to be the Division II version of Christian McCaffrey.

Although he’s considered a stretch for the 2017 NFL Draft, he contains traits any NFL team will one day wish they had. For the 31 teams that pass up on this guy, they’ll one day regret not calling the name, Lawrence Elliott Jr.

Elliott never got his invite to the NFL Combine or was sent to any pre-draft meetings with NFL teams. What he did do, is continue his work, head to Temple University for a Pro Day, and show the entire league he’s not to be overlooked.

His 4.58 40-yard dash, 33 1/2″ vertical, and 16 bench reps have Elliot as one of the best unknown running backs in this year’s draft. Whether he’s used in the backfield, in the slot, or as a returner, his future team will be receiving an asset they can use at all aspects of the field. For what he believes he brings to a team, Elliott knows he’s got everything you need to succeed in the pros.

“I think I bring versatility to the running back position, being able to catch out the backfield. I’m able to play receiver as the slot or out wide,” Elliott said on what he brings to an NFL team. “I have solid height and weight, and I’m durable. Something that’s key for running backs in this era.”

For now, Elliott and his family will wait for any team to call him. Like all NFL hopefuls, it doesn’t matter if you’re taken first or last, as long as you get a chance. When it comes to a particular team, as long as you have a jersey, they become your new family.

“From what my agents are telling me, there’s some good teams that fit my scheme; which I’m excited about,” Elliot said when asked if there’s a certain team he’s hoping to hear from. “Some being the Jets and the Browns. They’re really big on running backs as you can see from past backs like Isaiah Crowell and Chris Ivory.”

Any NFL team would be lucky to have the versatile option out of the backfield. What Elliott brings is a set of skills only select few running backs possess in the league. But when asked who he compares to, Elliott gave an answer his future team will be excited to hear.

“I would say I’m a clone for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Le’Veon Bell.”

“I would say I’m a clone for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Le’Veon Bell.”

Not a bad player to be compared to these days. As one of the best all-around backs in the NFL, Bell has taken the position to a whole new level. What’s crazy, though, is that Elliott isn’t exaggerating. When you watch his film, you see he’s almost an exact resemblance of arguably the best running back in football.

Elliott isn’t alone in this journey either. His former high school teammate and close friend, Nick Woodman, was in the same situation last season. The former Utica College standout participated in the New York Giants minicamp last season before suffering a hamstring injury. Now, while he rehabs and prepares to get back into the league, he helps his friend know exactly what to expect during the next few days.

“I actually just texted him the last two days, just asking him what to expect and what kind of attitude to have during the whole thing,” Said Elliott. “He’s not much older than me, but he’s been kind of a big brother to me through this whole thing.”

Much like Woodman, Elliott is hoping to represent his hometown at the highest level. Utica isn’t a usual spot for big time recruiters to look for athletes. For Elliott, it would be a dream to help change that.

I would love to accumulate enough information and knowledge to learn how to save money and give back to my city,” Elliott explained when asked what his long-term goals in the NFL are. “The area is a very good area for athletes and it’s not as recruited as it should be. So, I would definitely give back and have them be recognized.”

315 isn’t the only place he represents, though. Bloomsburg has been a place he calls his home for the last four years. With the success, brotherhoods, and stories he’s created, the Huskies will forever be the team behind him, and he wants the world to know he’s leaving a team full of talent.

“There’s some good young talent. I’m really excited for those guys. I got to play with some of them; Michael Allen, Alex Gooden, Marquis Seamon, Dexter Jordan, and Ethan Price,” Elliots answered when asked who the upcoming talent was at Bloomsburg.

Like every NFL player, influences are guiding Elliot towards success. He always remembers his hometown and the people who helped him. But the most important factors in his journey have been the biggest influences on his life. The hometown hero may be larger than life in Utica, but for him, he says his guidance has been simple.

“My biggest influences would be God and my parents,” stated Elliott. “I would give credit to God first. Sometimes I didn’t know where I was going to be during this journey and at this point. My parents always told me he’s a big influence, to give thanks, and to always be thankful for what you’ve been given this far.”

Growing up, though Elliott had other idols. Every young fan has their favorite players, but for those looking to turn the dream into a reality, these NFL stars are more than big names. Elliott, like every athlete, had his role models, and like many, these icons evolved from flashiness and the fun they had on and off the field.

“My two favorite running backs growing up were Clinton Portis and Deuce McCallister because I was a young Saints fan. Portis was that college player who had the attitude and what he brought to the game. He just had fun playing the game.”

While everyone enjoys playing the sport they love, Elliott will be more focused on a dream come true more than the enjoyment of football. When the dream does happen, though, it’ll be a feeling no one can describe. Like many players, this is Elliott’s childhood dream coming true. That, unlike anything in the world, would be a moment only himself could describe.

“It would mean the world to me,” said Elliott. “All the perseverance. Keep pushing no matter what people say. People are going to say you’re too small, you’re not fast enough. But to have it happen, it validates everything you’ve done.”

Elliott knows this is guaranteed, though. For a Division II athlete to hear his name called is something that only happens once in a rare while. So, he’s taking a step back, breathing, and focusing on the grim reality that he may need to wait until after the draft.

“I’m trying to be realistic with the whole thing, knowing what my situation is and that the whole thing is very unique,” explained Elliott. “If I don’t get a call by tomorrow, I’m going to keep working like I’ve always done. Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. That’s the attitude I’ve had through this whole thing.”

And finally, what will Elliott do if his name is called? Most people cry, some call their parents, all things I’m sure Elliott will do at some point. But for him, the first thing he’ll do is something he says he’s never done before.

“First thing I’m gonna do is something I’ve never done; Attempt a backflip.”