Written by: Kris Shankle (@Hoosierkris)

Eli Pancol isn’t your average success story. He wasn’t born with a ball in his hands. He actually didn’t even play football until the second grade, which is still pretty early I guess, but most athletes that become as successful as Pancol is, had someone start them on their craft before they can even walk or slept with a football, basketball, baseball, whatever instead of a teddy bear. The most surprising part, is both of his parents were athletes, so it’s very common that they would start their son off at a young age.

That wasn’t the case when it came to Eli though. Eli was born in Anderson, Indiana, but once he turned four years old, his family decided to move to Pendleton. Pendleton, which isn’t too far from Anderson is a lot smaller though and doing some research, I found out Pendleton Heights is the only high school in the town. Heck, they don’t even have a Wal-Mart there, so it’s a good thing Anderson isn’t far of a drive.

They have just over 4,000 people that live in the area, so it’s one of those towns that everyone seems to know everyone and how you got your first scar. They are known for country singer Alex Williams currently. Dick Dickey and Fred Wilt were also born there and are probably the most recognizable sports figures that grew up there.

Back to Eli though. He told me that he actually quit playing football in the seventh grade and didn’t pick it back up until this past season. When I asked him when he realized that he may have a future when it comes to football he said, “I didn’t even realize I could go anywhere until this year. I was always good in elementary (school), but that didn’t mean a whole lot.”

My math skills aren’t the best, but that would mean that Eli has only played football for six years including this past season. It’s even crazier to think this his junior year was he first playing football at a high level. He didn’t go through all the different camps available to kids these days. He didn’t even play 7-on-7 through the summer. His potential is through the roof knowing that he is still learning how to play the game at a high level.

Coming into his junior season and being his first as a high schooler, Eli knew it would be a challenge from the jump. His conditioning was never an issue even without playing in nearly 5 years, as he was constantly staying active. Along with football, Eli also plays for the basketball team at Pendleton Heights, but being 6’4’ with his skillset, he figured football would be his ticket into college and possibly the NFL as that is his goal.

Pendleton Heights didn’t exactly have the best of years, but they did finish 7-4 (4-3) and Pancol was a big reason why. He quickly separated himself as one of the best wide receivers in the country. The size he has along with special hands and a knack to go up and get the ball in the air made him a natural talent. He has so much talent that even after just one season, 247 sports has him rated as the 287th best prospect in the country. They have him rated as the 67th best wide receiver in the nation and the 9th best prospect in the whole state of Indiana. He ended the season with 41 catches equaling 834 yards through the year, good enough for 4th in his conference. Those totals ended up allowing him to average an absurd 20.3 yards per catch. Some of that came from deep balls, but he also showed quickness when the ball was in his hands. Always finding separation from his defender, he constantly beat whoever the opponent put on him. The most impressive stat he had during his junior season, was likely his touchdown receptions as he found the end zone a total of 15 times which ended up being second in his conference behind Luke Bumbalough of New Castle.

Pendleton Heights is a 4A school, which means the talent his team faced week in and week out wasn’t easy. Eventually his team got beat by Western in the playoffs after defeating Lebanon in their sectional game. Pancol caught passes from two different quarterbacks throughout the season. Both of whom will be back next year and now that a relationship has been established, expect even bigger numbers this year from him.

I asked about what his goal was last year he said, “being that it was my first year I just wanted to prove myself out there and I definitely think I did what I set out to do.” Not surprisingly, I think I’d have to agree. He’s not done yet though as Senior year is coming up, which after basketball season he will get right back in the thick of things. “I’m making it my goal to win the state title this year and that’s what we’re going to do”, Pancol told me.

When it comes to the recruitment of Pancol, things are really just now starting to pick up even though he is rated as high as he is (287th by 247 sports). He has picked up a total of 11 offers so far and that list is going to continue to get bigger no doubt. Among the schools that have extended an offer to join IU, are Iowa, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Ball State, Bowling Green, Louisville, Duke, ISU, Cincinnati and Miami (OH).

Last week he took his first visit of the year. Tom Allen and Indiana were the hosts as they welcomed him to Bloomington with open arms. He had this to say about his visit to Bloomington. “IU was a really nice visit, I was welcomed in right away and the energy at IU was just awesome.”

His schedule is just starting to open up with his season (basketball) almost over, so at the moment Notre Dame, which he will be in South Bend this weekend, is his only visit he has on the books at the moment. I asked him about which schools stand out right now, but he said, “They all do honestly. Every college is different and they all have something slightly better than the others so far from what I’ve seen, so it’s hard to say which one really sticks out.”

It sounds like things are about to start picking up for him and IU will definitely be trying to show him why they would be a good fit for him. Right when I seen he was 6’4” it was hard not to immediately think about the past wide receivers that have came through IU and how he would fit right in.

It sounds like Coach Hagen is the main member of the Hoosiers staff that has been making the pitch for the Hoosiers. Still, it sounds like Pancol isn’t looking to make a decision anytime soon. When I asked what he is looking for when it comes to his college choice he said, “I’m looking for somewhere that is going to be a home for me. I want to know I fit in with the coaching staff and I’m on board with what they are preaching. I’m positive that I will know what place is right for me when it’s time though.”

When I get the chance to interview a prospect, one of the first things I like to ask is, who are your role models? Who do you look to when you need advice? Some people will say well obviously the parents or coaches, but I usually never get as good of an answer as the one Pancol gave me. “My mom and dad are both my role models. Both of them were really good athletes in high school and I was blessed by God to be given just a natural edge on athletic ability. One of my favorite compliments is when someone tells me I do something like my dad, whether it’s how I jump like him, dunk like him, smile like him etc.” The most impressive thing that I’ve learned getting to know Eli Pancol though is his attitude, which by now anyone reading this should understand. Most every kid can say all the right things and a lot of them even do the right things as well, but you never know if the attention of playing college football or becoming a star in high school could end up changing a kid in the blink of an eye. It’s clear to me though that Eli just gets it.

I asked him what he believes are some of the traits that separate himself from other prospects in the country. He responded by saying, “There is a lot of tremendous athletes out there as well as hard workers, but not all of them will consistently put a smile on their face and show up with a positive attitude like I do no matter the circumstances. Also, not only will I use my size and athleticism on the field, but I will be a role model for kids as well as a leader on and off the field.” I’m not just saying this, because this is my article and I want people to enjoy it, but I’ve talked to several kids throughout the recruiting process, but hardly ever do I hear a kid talk about being a role model for kids. That kind of thing isn’t something your average high schooler thinks about, but like I’ve being trying to tell you, Eli Pancol isn’t your average high school athlete.

Fans of Hoosier Huddle can help support the site by shopping on Amazon using the ad below at no cost to the shopper. Thank you for your support.

The Huddle

Meet the 2019 IUFB Recruiting Targets: Eli Pancol

Hoosier Huddle