Former Vandal Kaden Elliss finally had his dreams come to fruition on Saturday, being drafted to the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft — the first Vandal to be drafted since Korey Toomer in 2012.
During his senior year, Elliss led Idaho with 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks, a career high for the outside linebacker. Elliss was named to the All-Big Sky First Team in his senior year and finished fifth all-time in Vandal history with 47 tackles for loss.
The Vandal standout will follow in his father Luther’s footsteps and have an opportunity to play under the bright lights of the National Football League.
Kaden Elliss showing his pass rushing during Idaho’s Pro Day
Vandal Nation had an opportunity to sit down with Kaden Elliss during his junior season, where his admirations for the NFL were high on his radar.
“That’s something that I have to get a lot better for and I know that,” Elliss said in an interview back in 2017. “But that is my goal and the goal I want to achieve, and work my tail off to achieve.”
Elliss fulfilled that dream when being called to join Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. The Saints were the first team Elliss had the opportunity to visit after making his name known after a successful pro day.
The Saints have been needing some depth to their linebacker position and the pass rushing ability and ferocity that Elliss can bring for New Orleans will be a valuable asset for the potential Super Bowl contenders.
Elliss has been the face of Idaho football for the past few seasons, displaying all the characteristics that are worthy of a Vandal.
When we spoke to him back in 2017, Elliss’s philosophy to life was simple — faith, family and football.
Nobody expected the lasting impact he will now forever have on the program, and when asked about his legacy Elliss said he wants to be remembered for his intensity as well as his values on life.
“I want to be remembered as a man who loves Jesus, a beast on the football field and everything else will follow after the first one,” Elliss said.
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cderemer_VN