WPIAL Alum Q&A – Jake Elk

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, October 16, 2017 | 5:29 PM

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Linebacker is a position that often features the vocal leader of a defense. That description applies perfectly to Jake Elk. Elk, formerly a captain at Baldwin High School, is now a senior captain at Thiel College. He is this week’s spotlight player for the WPIAL Alum Q&A.

At Baldwin, Elk was a three-year letterwinner, as he played inside linebacker, fullback and tight end for the Highlanders. In his sophomore campaign in 2011, the Highlanders went 4-5, while the team finished with a mark of 3-6 the following season.

In Elk’s senior year in 2013, Baldwin qualified for the playoffs. The team fell to Central Catholic in the first round, and concluded with a record of 4-6. Individually, Elk caught four passes, rushed nine times and scored four touchdowns.

Following graduation, Elk continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Thiel College. As a freshman, Elk saw limited action with the Tomcats, as he played in just two contests.

In 2015, though, Elk earned a significant role in the Thiel defense. He started 10 games, recording 68 tackles, the second-best mark on the squad. Moreover, he notched four interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a defensive score. Thiel, though, went just 2-8, including a 1-7 mark in the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC).

Last season, Elk again played in 10 contests, and increased his production to a Tomcats-leading 82 tackles. He also contributed 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. Collectively, Thiel also improved, as the Tomcats finished 4-6, with a 3-5 mark in PAC action.

In his senior campaign, Elk has been named a captain. Once again, he leads the team with 37.5 tackles through six games, and he also has a sack. Thiel has recorded just one victory so far, a conference triumph against Bethany.

Jake dedicated time from his busy schedule to answer questions about his leadership role, his favorite college class, and the best player he faced in high school.

Q: You have increased your tackle totals in each of your first three years, and currently lead the team in the category this season. What has been the biggest key to your growth in that area?

A: Well, considering I had a rough start to my college career with being hurt and missing my freshman season due to a broken fibula, I was kind of set back in growing as a freshman. This put me in a spot where, as a sophomore, I had to adjust to the game speed that most freshmen were able to adjust to the previous year. The main factor of my personal growth was just being able to read and react and not second guessing myself. A lot of football is just making a first step, going, and playing football.

Q: Linebackers sometimes serve as the “quarterback of the defense”. What does your position entail in terms of calling plays or aligning other defenders?

A: Growing up, I always played middle linebacker, and this role usually comes with calling the plays and getting everyone set up, so it comes as second nature sometimes to just know what’s going on and who goes where. It has gotten easier with Coach Blume, though. The way his system works is the DBs take care of the coverage calls, and I am mainly in charge of the blitz calls and the front movements and alignment (the box calls). I enjoy this role.

Q: How would you describe your leadership as a senior?

A: This season, thus far, has been a great experience for me being a team captain. My leadership role is to keep our defense and team under control and united. Also, holding kids accountable. Coach Blume has come from very prestigious football teams, where the senior leaders or captains should take action and control of any discipline, questions, or accountability issues. Our team is forming nicely along those terms, so I believe as a senior, us being able to hold other kids accountable is a huge part of myself and the other team captains.

Q: Did you set any individual goals or team goals for 2017?

A: One of the biggest goals we had this year was to go out and compete every week, and get better every week. Every team wants to win, but you can’t go out there and not play together week in and week out and be united. So with that being said, a huge goal I set for the team was to play as one and compete together. The best teams are the ones that are closely knit.

Q: What is your top moment thus far playing college football?

A: My top moment from college football thus far is my sophomore season against Grove City – our senior DE Reily Shane forced a fumble on the quarterback, and I was able to get there to get the fumble and take it back for a touchdown to seal the game. It was a great experience.

Q: Why did you decide on Thiel College?

A: Thiel College had a huge impact on me immediately, from the night of my overnight as a senior. I connected with the players right away. Some of my best friends that I talk to almost every day were the kids that I stayed with as a high-school student overnight. This school connects people in ways that you can’t get everywhere.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I am a double major in criminal justice and sociology. I hope to start off in some type of law enforcement – hopefully state police – and eventually find my way into a federal department.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable college class?

A: Although it is not my major, my most enjoyable class was intro to business. This class was a lot of presenting and putting together presentations and public speaking. I enjoy talking to classes and groups about things I find interest in.

Q: What was your best memory from Baldwin?

A: One of my best memories from Baldwin was being able to make it to the playoffs my senior year with a brand-new coaching staff. Although we took a tough loss, I was able to say I scored the only touchdown of my last high-school game.

Q: Do you still follow Baldwin athletics or the WPIAL in general?

A: I will always follow WPIAL football in general, because I believe it is some of the best competition in high-school football. I also will be a Baldwin Highlanders supporter, because since I have left, they still welcome me to come back and work out with the team, in the weight room, and help out with practices.

Q: Who was the best player you faced in high school?

A: The best player I faced in high school was probably Miles Sanders. He is currently playing running back at Penn State.

Q: What is your least favorite drill in practice?

A: My least favorite drill in practice is by far the “cut drill”. This is where you practice getting off a cut block from the offense; although it is a huge part of the game and helps you a ton, I just had bad memories as a freshman not being able to do it correctly, and this is also how I broke my leg. I must say I have gotten better at it, though.

Q: If you could eat just one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: This would have to be a combo meal. I love pizza, wings, and subs. If I could eat that combination of foods every day, I would be happy.

Q: What is your favorite pet?

A: Even though my family has two cats now, I am 100 percent a dog person. I had a dog for 16 years of my life almost, and it kills me to this day that she is not around. I can’t wait to live on my own and get my first puppy.

Q: What is a little-known fact about you or a hidden talent?

A: I am very superstitious. I have worn the same purple (Baldwin colors) under my football pads since I was a junior in high school, and still do under my Thiel jersey. Also, I do everything before a game the same way, same order; I also get one pair of game socks at the beginning of the season.

Tags: Baldwin, Thiel