SOMERSET — Coach Jeff Urban needed some “Friday night bodies” on his offensive line this past football season.
In stepped Ben Elchin. The versatile Somerset Area High School athlete, who began his varsity career as a quarterback, eventually moving to offensive line, where he excelled in 2024. He helped the Golden Eagles capture a District 5-8-9 Class 3A subregional championship.
Elchin will move back to the defensive side of the ball next year, after committing to attend and play for coach Blake Treadwell at Division III Juniata College.
“The campus was the main reason behind choosing Juniata,” said Elchin. “My main goal is to get an education, even though I like football a lot. The student comes first, and that is something my parents have preached to me. I am excited to go there and be an Eagle for four more years.”
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It was a long recruiting process, but one Elchin relished the opportunity to have.
“My dad and I spent more than 100 hours at different camps and going on college visits,” he said. “The recruiting process is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. This feels like a weight being lifted off of me.”
Elchin, who maintains a 3.8 GPA, plans to major in sports management.
He thanks his parents, Jason and Dawn Elchin, friends and coaches. Elchin was also quick to mention his late grandmother, who died on Saturday, for always supporting and being there for him.
Urban had high praises for Elchin and his commitment to the sport.
“He’s a phenomenal team player,” Urban said. “We addressed it with him last year that we needed some seniors up front on the offensive line. He put on 30 pounds in the offseason, got stronger and stepped up. He knew our box and could play any position that we needed him to.
“He has great work ethic. I don’t ever remember him missing an on-field or weightroom session. He is going to succeed at the next level, simply because he’s willing to outwork you.”
Elchin was recruited to play EDGE or linebacker at Juniata. While he did not see many snaps on defense last season, the four-year contributor and two-year starter is ready to take on the challenge.
“I have been persistent over the last four years, whether it was lifting or showing up to practice every day,” he said. “That’s something that will carry over to the next level. I am very optimistic going into next season.”
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset’s Elchin headed to Juniata College for football
