Eric SorensonElijah Carey isn’t afraid of the big moment, or his older brother’s football shadow, which cast over not only Canyon del Oro High School but the entire city of Tucson.
Current Chicago Bear and former University of Arizona star running back Ka’Deem Carey first introduced us to the football family at CDO, now Elijah is blazing his own trail after rushing for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns and leading the team with 52 tackles from his linebacker position last fall as a junior.
Whether in the Windy City or the Old Pueblo, big brother likes what he sees. He compares Eli’s running style to Hall-of-Famer Jerome Bettis and his defensive instincts to Tyrann Mathieu.
“Eli is a player that gives it his all every time he steps on the field,” Ka’Deem said to Sports360AZ.com. “He is a big, physical kid who is not scared of contact. I tell him everyday his body is probably going to be bigger than mine.”
That’s the reason I love football for games like that ??????
— Elijah.C15 (@elijah_carey) February 6, 2017
While the brothers both flash warm, inviting smiles, their bodies and games are unique to one another. Both can beat you, but in different ways.
“I think we’re completely different,” Elijah said to Sports360AZ.com. “He’s more of a break away-type guy and I’m more [into] vision, patience and setting up [my blockers].”
The younger Carey is well-liked and respected by his Dorados’ teammates and coaches. They know the football bloodlines but understand Elijah Carey is Elijah Carey, not just Ka’Deem’s younger brother.
It’s something Ka’Deem reminds Elijah of frequently, both on the field and off–particularly in the classroom.
“He tells me to follow my own path, don’t look at his records,”Elijah explained. “He tells me to work hard in the weight room and stay humble.”
?hungry ? pic.twitter.com/YXRXQ1frod
— Elijah.C15 (@elijah_carey) April 24, 2017
While Elijah has yet to receive any offers, there is interest from the UofA and others. For now, he’s focused on spring practices and making his senior season at CDO not just memorable for himself, but more importantly his team.
“We’ll be a pretty good team next year,” Elijah said. “We’re working hard in spring ball and in the weight room. We’ll be pretty good if we play to our full potential.”
Don’t worry about Elijah playing to his full potential.
He’s not concerned about it.
Neither is his older brother.
“Keep a great eye on him this year,” Ka’Deem said. “Because you will see this young man make a name for himself.”
In many ways, he already has.
