One of the names generating a ton of buzz this summer was DE Elias Rudolph. The Cincinnati native is a tremendous athlete with length (6’5) and a relentless playing style. He sat with CanesInSight to discuss his progress:
On his transition to Miami: I’ve been adjusting well. Great environment. Great people. Just ready for the season.
On getting to Miami: A great blessing. I had a lot of adversity. Getting here was the first step. I got through that, so know it’s just eyes forward and keep going.
On offseason conditioning: It’s been awesome. The meals every day, the muscle I’ve been putting on, the weight I’ve been putting on. I’m 215 right now. I was 203 when I got here. My body composition is 6% body fat. My goal is 240. Hopefully, by the season I’m 225. Eating all day, consistent. Eating in the mornings is the main thing.
On his track this season: It was awesome. I had to leave the team early to get to Miami. My 4X100 team ended up getting second in state. If I was in that race, we probably would have won. My PR was 11 flat. I was the anchor.
On his decision to flip from Michigan: They were neck-and-neck with Miami. When I flipped, I knew Michigan was going to be a contender to win the championship. It was a lot that went into the decision, but I want to be on that wall up there (points to banners in IPF) as a Hall of Famer. It’s the people around me. Jason Taylor, the whole staff, Coach Cristobal. The whole D-Line room is a brotherhood.
On the defensive end room: Awesome. It’s the personalities, people from all around. We bonded quick.
On who is the fastest DE: I did hit first in the 10-yard split. 1.44. That’s how we rolling. I’m a speedster, so when I come around the edge, I’m coming.
On his family’s pride: I’m the first one to go to college, and I’m the last of five. This is a big deal. We’ve never experienced this. I’ve got a nephew, so he gets to watch me go through this process and hopefully it clicks in his brain. It’s big.
On the feedback he’s gotten on his game: They like my motor. My work ethic. They like how I’m consistently going hard. I want to work on my hands more and keep gaining weight to get out there with the big boys.
On Jason Taylor: We’re working every day after practice for 15 minutes or so, pass rush moves.