Alford picks up third offer from Air Force

2017 Park City (Utah) defensive lineman Eli Alford has picked up his third offer of the college recruiting process. The United States Air Force Academy has joined Akron and Montana State in offering Alford a scholarship to continue playing football at the next level.

“I was extremely excited when Air Force offered. I talked to them the night before and they said they were coming into town to check up with me sometime that week. He called me and when we met up. It was pretty surprising because I had only been talking to Air Force for a couple weeks,” Alford said. “I was completely surprised. It was awesome, knowing what going to that school can do for anyone is pretty outstanding. It’s an amazing opportunity I could have.”

Alford is intrigued by the possibility of playing for the Falcons and going into a military service career following his time in football. The Air Force Academy is one of the country’s most distinguished schools and represents a great opportunity academically, athletically, and professionally for Alford.

“I hadn’t put a lot of thought [into military service] before, but I’m going to look into it a lot more. I would definitely be okay with doing that, especially at the Air Force Academy,” Alford explained. “Only certain people are really made to do that kind of stuff and it’s pretty amazing. My grandma on my dad’s side also lives in Colorado Springs.”

The Falcons aren’t the only ones after Alford. The Park City product says he would be comfortable playing in any region in the country and has received interest from all over. Whether it’s closer to his aforementioned grandma or where his uncle (Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford) resides, or even beyond those areas, Alford will have plenty of options.

“I’ve been talking to [coaches at Wyoming, San Diego State, Nevada, Yale, and Colorado State],” he said.

Throughout his process, Alford has started to clarify what he’s looking for in the college of his choices and keeps these things in mind when he’s visiting schools and speaking with college coaches. He’s had multiple family members work in and around college football and certainly has the lay of the land.

“I’m looking for a good college atmosphere, like things to do outside of school and where it’s located, like where there are things to do. Air Force is up in the mountains which is similar to where I live and there’s lots of things to do,” Alford said. “I’m looking for a good source of education and a place that will help you after college – getting set you up for life after school, whether it’s football or getting another job.”

When he’s not working on the recruiting process, Alford has been turning his attention towards his upcoming senior season of football and final year of high school.

“We just got a new head coach for our football team, so I’m really looking forward to this upcoming season. I want our team to do well, because the last couple season haven’t been the best. I want to go out with a really good season and get a lot more exposure out there to coaches,” Alford said. “I’m trying to get as many offers as I can really and have an open range of places I can choose to go. I want to finish school with good grades and keep my cumulative GPA high and just make the most of my senior year. It’s gone by pretty fast and it’s not something you can do twice.”

Alford could prove to be either a defensive end or defensive tackle at the college level, but it’s clear that the future is bright no matter where he plays along the line or which university he attends.