2025 Interview with Eli Helton from Big Walnut High School


 

Eli Helton

Big Walnut

LB/RB

2026

5’11 215

Jersey Number 22

Awards won or earned: First Team All Ohio, District, County, Conference, and 2nd Team All Metro

Is there a college or pro player that you pattern your game after?

 I pattern my game after Fred Warner. He combines elite speed and range, physicality with leadership, and great IQ.

In watching some of your HUDL film, it looks like once you make up your mind about where you are going, you look like a heat-seeking missile. How much of what you do comes from natural talent, and how much comes from film study and practice?

I appreciate that. I’d say it’s a mix of both. The natural instincts definitely help. I’ve always had a nose for the ball and love to hit, but what really takes it to the next level is film study and practice. Watching film helps me recognize formations, tendencies, and keys that let me know what’s coming before the ball is even snapped. In practice, I focus on reacting fast and taking the right angles so when it’s time to go, I don’t hesitate; I just trust my preparation and go full speed.

In looking at your stats, you are credited with 146.5 tackles, with 121 being solo. What are your goals for this season?

Those numbers mean a lot, but I see them as a baseline, not the peak. My main goal this season is to be even more dominant and consistent. I want to improve my read and react speed, create more turnovers whether that’s forcing fumbles or picking off passes, and just play hard every chance I get.

What goals are you setting for your team? 

The goal we have set this off-season is bringing everybody along for the ride. We as a team believe we can go all the way; the sky’s the limit with this team.

What was the high mark of the 2024 season?

 A high mark was going 7-0 in conference play and making a run in the playoffs that we fell just short of the state championship game.

What was the lowest point of the 2024 season?

 The lowest point was our loss to Anderson in the state semifinals.

With this being your senior year, have you trained any differently during the off-season?

 Intensity-wise, no, but I’m coming off shoulder surgery. My offseason looks a bit different than last year, but I’ll be grinding early mornings and all summer.

Which part of your game do you feel is the strongest? 

The strongest part of my game is recognizing formations and reading my keys, taking me to the ball also good closing speed, instincts, and range.

Which part do you need to improve on the most?

 I need to improve my coverage in space, lateral quickness, and change of direction.

Of all of the road stadiums that you have played in, which one had the best overall atmosphere?

 The best Overall, the atmosphere was Arlin Field in our regional final win.

If you are invited to play in any of the all-star games after the season, will you?

 Yes, I will play if I’m invited.

Could you share with everyone some of the schools that are recruiting you?

 Ashland, U of Indy Tiffin, Valparaiso, Dayton, Wheeling, Lake Erie, Ohio Northern,

What is your dream job? 

FBI Agent

What is your go-to snack? 

Uncrustable PBJs

Who are your role models?

 My mom is my biggest role model. Being a single parent with 3 kids, she’s very hardworking and dedicated to giving us everything we need. Also, she’s my biggest supporter; she would do anything to watch me play.

 Words from Eli

What a ride this past season. We finished 14-2, went undefeated in conference play (7-0), and made it all the way to the Division II state semifinals. This team battled every single week and left everything on the field. Winning the Region 7 Championship with a 14-7 win over Massillon Washington was a huge moment for our program.

Personal Highlights:

• 146.5 total tackles

• 122 solo tackles

• 16 tackles for loss

•5.5 sacks

• 4 forced fumbles

• 4 pass breakups

• 2 interceptions

• 1st Team All-Ohio – Division

• Defensive leader on a top-tier unit

I’m proud of how far we came as a team, and I’m grateful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone who supported us. I’ve grown a lot as a player and leader this year, and I’m even more motivated heading into the offseason. Time to lock in and get better.

Let’s work.


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