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Two days before 2017 National Signing Day, the Gators landed a key commitment who addressed a position of need when four-star defensive tackle Elijah Conliffe announced that he would be taking his talents to Gainesville.
Following his Jan. 20 official visit, Conliffe felt ready to make his commitment to the Gators known - and the Hampton, Virginia, native did it in grand fashion, in a Bleacher Report live stream that aired from his high school gymnasium with his friends and family on deck. After introducing his three finalists of Florida, Penn State and Tennessee, Conliffe celebrated his commitment to the Gators as confetti cannons released orange and blue streamers and confetti throughout the bleachers.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Conliffe, who is deciding between majoring in forensic sciences or civil engineering, arrives at UF in late June for the Summer B session.
Today, it's time to learn a little bit more about Conliffe on a personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
I know you were looked at by a bunch of different schools, but what were the main reasons why you chose to come to Florida?
“I guess I felt mostly at home there. That was one of the main reasons. They give me a lot of opportunities to play and get in the rotation early. Basically, Coach, he kept telling me there’s a need for D-tackles. So, it was perfect.”
Take us through the process that led to your commitment to Florida. What was that like for you?
“They offered me and I have to convince my mom and so forth, take a visit. After we took the visit, basically looking around seeing how everything works, my mom really liked it and I really liked it. So, that’s how it went.”
Obviously, your Bleacher Report announcement video turned out to be awesome. How did the idea for that come about?
“Pretty much me and them, we were pretty much just talking about what we could do. We really didn’t know what we were going to do yet, because it was between like a little dating show or there was going to be like the schools being behind the curtains and only a few people would be involved. Then, I thought to get a whole bunch of people involved in it, which is what I did.”
Which school came in second for you and why?
“Either Tennessee or Penn State. Cool coaches, nice atmosphere.”
What did you like the most about the recruiting process?
“It was just fun getting around seeing places that I probably would have never gotten to see if it wasn’t for this. I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunities. The official visits were really fun. The regular visits were pretty fun as well, getting to meet the coaches, hang around the players. It played a big part in my decision.”
What would you change about your whole recruiting process?
“Probably if I could bring my brother on my officials when I flew.”
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
“My work ethic.”
Where do you stand right now as a football player? What do you feel you need to work on the most?
“I’m really raw. I don’t know a lot of technique, but that’s what I’ve got Coach Rumph for.”
What has Florida head coach Jim McElwain expressed about where you’ll play this season?
“He just asked me where would I want to play. Would I want to play the three-tech or the one as a nose guard? And I said the nose guard. So, I figure then that’s my position.”
Is that where you feel the most comfortable at along the line?
“Yes.”
How do you feel the transition from playing primarily strongside defensive end to moving into the interior will be for you?
“It’s going to be rough starting off, but when I’m on with the weight-lifting and my technique’s there, I think it’s going to get a lot easier.”
What are your overall expectations for your first season?
“Pretty much just getting used to the system, getting my feet a little wet. Getting a good start on my grades and all that stuff.”
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PREVIOUS GETTING TO KNOW INTERVIEWS:
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Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life?
“My mom. Pretty much just watching her work hard, it just pushes me to work even harder so I can repay her one of these days. She means the world to me.”
If you could meet one person in the world, who would that be?
“Let’s go with either Goku or Vegeta.”
I saw you celebrated this past Valentine's Day with your Xbox. Truly how big of a gamer are you?
“I play that game a lot. I’d say that’s one of my stress-relievers. Just to relax sometimes, get away from reality a little bit.”
What is your favorite video game currently?
“I now have been playing Smite a lot, so that one’s pretty interesting.”
What is your favorite type of music?
“I have a huge list of any type of music pretty much. Anything that has a really good beat to it, I’m pretty much listening to. Pretty much everything right now – R&B, rap, a little bit country, some smooth jazz. Stuff like that.”
Favorite movie?
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”
Favorite TV show?
“Curious George.”
Which NFL player would you compare your talents to?
“I like J.J. Watt because of his versatility. I could play outside or inside. I like that I have a little versatility in my game.”
Do you have a favorite professional sports team?
“I’m going to have to go with the Clippers or the Texans.”
Do you have a special talent/skill outside of football?
“Off the field, I can cook. I can cook some nicely seasoned ramen noodles. That’s one of my favorites.”
If you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, what would be your first purchase?
“First, I’d probably get my mom whatever she needs, probably a house or a car. Maybe after that, I’d probably buy a nice Escalade.”
What are three things you have on your bucket list?
“Probably get me a nice-looking gaming computer – I want to make it too, make a computer. Graduate from college, and after everything’s all done become a YouTuber.”
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