The fact that a defensive tackle registered 76 tackles and four sacks during his junior year is fairly impressive, but that alone wouldn't convince college coaches to offer a scholarship. Add in the fact the same player racked up 1,139 rushing yards, 215 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns, and one begins to understand why coaches are flocking to Petaluma (Calif.) Casa Grande High School this spring to get a look at Elijah Qualls.

The 6-foot-2, 280-pound athlete caused quite a stir over the past few months, as he picked up his first scholarship offer at the end of his junior season and is now one of the state's hottest commodities. He'll have a chance to make even more noise nationally this summer, as Qualls doubled up at the Oakland Nike Football Training Camp, earning defensive line MVP honors as well as an invitation to The Opening.

"I never expected this," Qualls said of the attention from so many college programs. "I was shocked when it started. It was like a dream come true."

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Erik McKinney | email

Reporter, RecruitingNation

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