Under the Helmet: Corn Elder
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – On the gridiron, University of Miami defensive back Corn Elder showcases a strong athletic ability that keeps wide receivers in check on Saturdays. It is that same athletic ability that made Elder into one of Tennessee’s best basketball players coming out of high school in 2013.
“My situation was kind of weird, being recruited for both basketball and football. There was a lot going on,” Elder explained. “A lot of times during my basketball season I was still getting recruited by football teams and I would try and get some visits in during my basketball season, so it was fun. I definitely enjoyed it.”
During his days at The Ensworth School, in Nashville, Tenn., Elder was named both the 2013 boys’ basketball and football player of the year by The Tennessean while leading both teams to state championships.
“I was still contemplating basketball,” Elder recalled. “During signing day, I was still in my [basketball] season and honestly at that time I was leaning towards going to college to play basketball. On signing day, I wasn’t really thinking about playing football, but I was still getting recruited for football, so I ultimately wasn’t sure yet.”
Overall, a very tough decision was placed on Elder’s young shoulders as his final high school basketball season began, having the option to sign with a college football team or wait to respond for basketball.
Even with highly recognized schools in Georgia Tech and Purdue recruiting him to play basketball once his senior season ended, Elder ultimately decided to play football at Miami.
“Growing up I always liked the Hurricanes, so once I got the opportunity to come here and play football, it was obvious because it had been my dream ever since I was a kid,” Elder said.
Despite moving on from his basketball career to play defensive back for Miami, Elder still takes pride in being the best basketball player on the football team. Channeling his high school glory days, Elder often takes to the courts during the offseason, rubbing in his teammates faces on why that statement is the truth.
“I am definitely the best basketball player [on the team] and everybody knows that.”
As Elder begins his senior season with his dream school, he still does not have an answer for what he personally believes is his best sport.
“I’m probably a better football player but I would really have to say it’s a toss-up.”
The Hurricane may never have the answer to that question, although his talents on both the gridiron and court cannot be overlooked by his opponents and spectators.
Entering Saturday’s matchup against FAU, Elder hopes to build upon a successful junior campaign that served as his breakout year. In 2015, he totaled a career-best 41 tackles and two interceptions, while also leading the team with 11 broken up passes.
The 2016 season already opened with a bang against Florida A&M when he sent the 60,703 in attendance into an early frenzy picking off Rattlers quarterback Kenneth Coleman on the opening drive of the game.
The ex-basketball superstar will look to duplicate that success throughout the remainder of the season.
