Q&A: Nick Elksnis recaps last weekend's visit, commitment to Penn State

Ryan Snyder: You picked up an offer from Penn State in April. What were your talks like with Tyler Bowen in the weeks and months that followed? Did you become close with him before you visited in July, or were you guys just talking off and on?

Nick Elksnis: When he and I talked for the first time, that’s when he let me know about the offer. That was before September 1st, so that meant that he couldn’t reach out and text me. So, when he and I got on the phone for the first time, he asked that we talk every Wednesday at 9 o’clock. We did that all the way up until I came and visited, so he and I kind of struck a relationship through those talks. Just a few weeks into that, I could tell that I was going to like him a lot, both as a person and as a coach. When he and I would talk, we’d talk a little bit about football, but for the majority of the time, it was about family and what I’m doing. So, I always really liked that. We were always talking about life more than football.

Snyder: You visited in July for the first time. You had already seen a bunch of schools before that, so what was it about Penn State that really stood out?

Elksnis: Well, what’s funny about this is that, in the time leading up to me visiting Penn State, I had told myself that there’s something special about Penn State. I just had a gut feeling about Penn State. I had never been up there before. I actually didn’t even know what Coach Bowen looked like. I had no idea he was a mountain of a man. But, for some reason, I just had this gut feeling that I had to wait and get up to Penn State before I make any moves. I went to a lot of schools, and there were a lot of impressive schools, but I still waited for Penn State. I went up there knowing the rich history and everything, but I loved meeting their coaches. That was big. I think they have a really good family atmosphere. I love Coach [James] Franklin. He’s a great guy and very personable. It really was a perfect storm. I left there knowing that this is where I wanted to go.

Snyder: You went home for a few days before announcing your commitment. What were those talks like with your family? You committed earlier than most players your age, so what did your parents have to say about this decision?

Elksnis: Well, as soon as I left that camp, I was telling my parents that this is where I wanted to go. I just knew that this was where I wanted to go to school. Of course, they asked me to wait and think it over for a few days before rushing into anything, which I did. I also had a great camp when I was at Penn State, too. I ran my fastest 40 (4.65) there. I thought I did great, so I felt like that was a sign, too. So, I left that camp knowing what I wanted to do. My parents and I just talked about it for a few days, once the initial impact of the visit wore off a little bit. That’s what I love about my parents and my entire family. They’ve always supported my decisions throughout this entire recruiting process. They completely supported this after we talked everything over. I just knew this was the place.

Snyder: As you mentioned earlier, starting September 1st, schools were allowed to start reaching out to you. Did a bunch of schools reach out that day and in the days that followed? I’m just curious because that’s always a big day for junior prospects. Did schools respect your commitment, or did they still blow up your phone that day?

Elksnis: Yeah, I still had a lot of schools reach out that day. I had almost all the schools that had been in touch previously, plus a few new schools reach out that day. I was respectful about it. I just kept the responses brief, kept them minimal. I never want to come off as a jerk, so I thanked them for reaching out, but also made it clear that I committed to Penn State because I was 100 percent sure. I didn’t commit to Penn State because they’re just the best option I have at the moment. That’s not how it works with me. I know that this is where I want to go.

Snyder: You came up to Penn State this weekend and saw your first game in Beaver Stadium. What stood out? What caught your eye?

Elksnis: I think the loyalty is what stood out to me the most. Going into the trip, I already knew they had a fantastic fan base, but I don’t think I understood how loyal they all are. It rained for a good portion of the game and it wasn’t the warmest day. I know it wasn’t the coldest day at Penn State or anything, but it rained pretty good during the first half. What I noticed is that no one left. That’s what really impressed me the most. Throughout the whole game, it had been raining and no one moved an inch. Everyone stayed and supported their team. They were so fired up. I just thought that was awesome. But also, I thought their student section was awesome. I had never seen a student section that big before. I think the music is great and the chants are great. During some of these visits that I’ve gone on, the [recruiting staff] that hangs out with you during the game doesn’t even know all the chants. Everyone that I was with was so into it. I loved that.

Snyder: Did you get to spend much time with the coaches this past weekend? I know you had a game Friday night, but did you stick around town Saturday night or Sunday?

Elksnis: So, after the game, I hung out with Grayson Kline. He and I also hung out with some of the other players on the team. I had a really great time with them. Coach Bowen’s family was in town that day, so he went and saw them, which is totally fine. I completely understand. The next day, we had brunch with a bunch of people from the team. There were also two other recruits and their family. So, we got to hang out with Coach Franklin then. The entire coaching staff was there, too. We had about an hour to do that. That was fun hanging out with everyone. I know my family really enjoyed getting to know the coaches more. I then sat down with Coach Bowen after that and also sat down with Coach Franklin before we left. We flew out at like 2:15, so we had a good morning and afternoon with them. I got to talk to the coaches for a good bit.

Snyder: I want to get a better feel for you as a player. Is there anything that you feel is a major strength of yours? Also, is there anything you really want to improve on this season?

Elksnis: One of the big things, in my opinion, is that I have the work ethic. Obviously, I’ve been blessed with the size and the athletic ability, but I also know that I’ve worked my tail off. I work out every morning before school. I also train with coaches and trainers all the time. I know that I’m putting the work in, so that’s one thing that I’m proud of and believe is a strength of mine. I’ll work as hard as I have to work to get where I want to go. When it comes to stuff I want to get better at, there’s always room to improve. I feel like I need to become a better blocker. I feel like I can run better routes. There are always things that I can improve on.

Snyder: I like to give recruits a chance to communicate with all the Penn State fans reading this. Is there anything you’d like to say to all the PSU fans out there?

Elksnis: To all the Penn State fan base, you will not see someone outwork me or outhustle me. I am 1000 percent committed and can’t wait to get up and start helping the team achieve greatness. God bless and go Lions.