2026 Getting to know Eli McCann from Anderson County, KY

 

Name: Eli McCann

School/town: Anderson County

Positions played: RB/LB

Class: 2028

Height and Weight: 6'0", 215

Jersey Number: 11

Awards won or earned: All district nominees

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22366601/Eli-McCann

Other sports played: Wrestling and track

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

I’d have to say that beating up on Carroll County really stuck out to me. The team was firing on all cylinders; the camaraderie was top-notch that night.

As a student-athlete, how do you go about trying to get some of your classmates to come out for football?

I believe that peers in the classroom already look up to me. So when I mention them trying football or going to a practice, they really do think about it. It is also more of a commitment, so some don’t always stick with it. We still have pretty good numbers as far as quantity goes.

Can the crowd, bands, and fans affect the game?

I love it; it definitely positively affects the game. I crave the invincible feeling I get under the lights on Fridays; atmosphere means a lot to me on and off the field.

How long have you played football, along with the reasons you continue to play?

Since 4th grade, I have continued the game I love in hopes of 4 free years at the next level. I want to play as long as I can.

What has been the highlight of your football career so far?

Playing on Kentucky Future Stars' team in 8th grade. Coach Ricco Hughes and that whole program showed me that I can play at a high level.

During the off-season, what have you been able to accomplish to aid you in being a better player?

I lift weights religiously; it’s something I 100% see myself being competitive in. On top of that, I also am very big on going to the field and getting sprint, drill, and position-specific work in.

Other than your home stadium, which stadium has been your favorite to have played in?

I would have to say Eastern Kentucky University’s field. I got the opportunity to play there when I was on Kentucky Future Starts in 8th grade.

Twitter and Hudl seem to be two tools college coaches use to keep up with potential recruits. How often do you update your pages?

Twitter, I'd say every few days or so; Hudl, I only really update when I get film from a game.

Who has been the best player that you have lined up against in a game, along with the team he played for?

I have played against phenomenal players, but what seems to stick out to me more is just how Scott County High School was such a good team. Their Wing-T offense was firing on all cylinders.

What do you believe is the strongest part of your game?

I believe that I am one of the strongest on the field on Fridays, probably being the best part of my game, but that doesn’t make me satisfied; I still have to work for more.

Linebacker or running back: which one do you feel you are better at?

I myself believe I’m currently a better LB, but that’s not to hinder my RB play.

What is the toughest part of practice?

I’d have to say the monotony of practice, but that’s the same with any sport. It gets really repetitive, and that’s what drives improvement, I believe. Monotony creates discipline, something you may not like, but you do it over and over again anyway.

If you could change one rule in high school football, what would it be and why?

I would probably have QBs protected less. I love to hit QBs and then just fall apart. It’s a feeling I crave every day when I hit QB, so after the ball comes out, I can go track the ball down, and after the whistle, the QB is still down. But it’s okay because those rules also protect our QB, whom I hate to see hit.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is probably Tom Platz, a golden-era bodybuilder who I have really taken inspiration from. I really like what he says and what he stands for. I have taken his mindset and taken it and applied and adapted it to my training in the weight room and on the field. I try to think that, like, I'd rather die than not do whatever it takes to win. And an idea I live my life by is whatever it is you desire, your goals, and your dreams, you must do whatever it takes to get them; you must demand it from the universe, and if you truly do whatever it takes, those goals and dreams shall be granted to you.

What scares you?

Despite me being a big and strong athlete, I’m terrified of spiders; I always have been. But on a deeper note, I think I'm afraid of not being successful, not achieving what I believe I am capable of.

What was the last book you read, along with the author?

Lord of the Flies - William Golding I read in my 10th grade English class recently. I like the book a lot, but even more I loved the class because of the people that were in there, and Mrs. Tucker was a really good teacher. My next read is The Silmarillion by Tolkien; I really like Lord of the Rings, and I need to read it.