There were a lot of uncertainties about the Fresno State football offense after losing more than half of its starters following the 2022 season.
Most eyes were fixated on the new change at quarterback, while the Bulldogs’ backfield was tasked with replacing starter Jordan Mims, who graduated and is now a member of the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, leaving big shoes to fill.
Those shoes would be filled by an underdog, Elijah Gilliam, the former walk-on.
Born in the northern part of the Valley, Gilliam knows the extra pride that goes into playing for Fresno State.
“There’s a lot of pride in putting it on for the Valley,” Gilliam said. “There’s some talent in the Merced area. It’s nice to show them that anything is possible.”
Gilliam grew up watching the ‘Dogs on TV, but his first time on campus was with his brother who was on an official football visit. That day helped influence his decision to play at Fresno State. He found a role as a sophomore last year, primarily being used as a fullback to block for Mims and fellow teammate Malik Sherrod.
“I accepted my role, put my chin down and worked hard every day. At the end of the day, I’m just glad when I see my team out there winning. With me, I will contribute anywhere,” Gilliam said.
Later that season, Gilliam did get a few opportunities as a ball carrier, including the game against Hawaii on Nov. 5 when he ran the ball five times for 36 yards and scored.
Despite having little experience on the field, the Bulldogs’ coaching staff liked what they saw in Gilliam and have leaned on him heavily this season.
“He’s starting to play more confidently now. I know a big point of emphasis with him is that he wanted to prove he wasn’t just a fullback type,” said Aaron Prier, the first-year running back coach. “I think he’s proven that he can handle whatever we throw at him.”
The junior running back surprised a lot of people when he carried the ball a whopping 20 times in week one against Purdue. He rushed for 93 yards as well as a 14 yard catch as the Bulldogs’ feature back.
“Coaches preach to us all the time, ‘Be ready! Be ready!’ You never know when your next opportunity is going to come,” Gilliam said.
Elijah Gilliam RB, Fresno State
I was impressed by him Saturday.
He’s got NFL size (5’11, 216).
Got 59% of the RB carries.
He could smash when conference play begins. pic.twitter.com/7xKpO3Ktlj
— Felix Sharpe l Campus2Canton.com (@sharpereview) September 6, 2023
The Merced native followed it up in week two with 91 total yards and two touchdowns in Fresno State’s home opener against Eastern Washington.
Gilliam was very candid when asked about playing under the lights in front of over 41,000 people.
“It’s a blessing. I’ve never had this opportunity. You’re greeted by fans as you’re going down the ramp and you get those chills. But those chills go away after the first play because you start playing ball,” he said.
In the week following the win over Arizona State, Head Coach Jeff Tedford announced that Gilliam was put on scholarship.
“It’s always nice to reward someone for what they do. Very well deserved for him,” Tedford said in a press conference.
Following the big news, the “all-around back,” as Tedford referred to Gillam, responded with a career-high, scoring three touchdowns including two in the air.
Rush Hour ⏰@ElijahG_33 | 📺CBSSN pic.twitter.com/ojUS3UIUIA
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) September 24, 2023
“He’s a great kid on and off the field. He really deserves this,” Prier said. “He works hard. He’s not the most ‘rah rah’ type of guy, more of a leader by example. He’s not afraid of the work.”
While Gilliam is now thriving as the starter, his versatility has not been overlooked by his quarterback.
“[Gilliam] does a great job of protection and work in between the tackles as well as catching,” said Mikey Keene. “Between him and Malik, we’ve got that one-two punch in the backfield. We’re really fired up about the rest of the season.”
From not seeing any action as a first-time freshman to taking a secondary role last season, Gilliam has proved his way to the starting spot, and is now on scholarship.
