Elijah Higgins – April 29, 2023
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Saturday, April 29, 2023
TE Elijah Higgins
(What can you tell us about the Dolphins and how they expect to use you? I know already they’re listing you as a tight end. What’s your understanding on how they’re going to use you?) – “I’m definitely willing to make that transition obviously. I’m excited for it. I’m excited to learn the ins and outs of the offense and special teams and whatnot. But to my knowledge right now, that’s kind of the extent of my knowledge. Just transitioning into that tight end role and doing some different things in the passing game and run game as well.”
(Have you had any experience at tight end going back to your high school days or anything?) – “No, sir. I played in the slot in high school and through college. I did some stuff on the wing and some stuff in the backfield as well. But I was never in a true in-line position in college.”
(What was the extent of the conversations you had in the pre-draft process with the Dolphins? Are there any similarities in the offense that you had at Stanford that you think will kind of help you carry over into the NFL?) – “Yeah, I mean coming from Stanford, I think they utilized me well in the slot running up and down the seam. And then the conversations I had with the Dolphins and the coaching staff were just along the lines of making that transition to playing tight end and the development process that comes along with that. I’m excited about it for sure and ready to get to work.”
(I know you’re 230 pounds but do you expect you may have to put on a couple more pounds just to try to hold up closer to the offensive line in the trenches?) – “Yeah, whatever they ask of me obviously. Then from there, just do what’s asked of me and do it to the best of my ability.”
(I’m reading a couple of your scouting reports that say you’re a pretty good blocker at the wide receiver position. Obviously blocking is a required element of the tight end position. How would you describe your approach to blocking?) – “I would say that I’m aggressive for sure and I’m willing to get in battles, willing to fight other defenders for position on the field and just body position in general, obviously. But I would say I am aggressive, willing to block, willing to get my hands dirty and I’m excited to take on that role.”
(One of the stories I think mentioned that your dad played college football in the state of Florida. Is that right? What’s his name and what position did he play?) – “George Higgins is my dad’s name. He played at USF and walked on. Then actually enlisted in the military shortly after.”
(What do you take from your dad’s military experience? What impact did that have on the way you view and approach life?) – “Just being respectful at all times. Being humble, being grounded, being present in the moment and things like that. Then holding yourself accountable. Being able to depend on others and allowing them to depend on you as well.”
(I know you said the Dolphins told you that you would be a tight end. What did other teams tell you about how they would have used you?) – “It was a lot of the things on the same line as playing tight end. Different variations and such. But pretty consistent throughout, I would say, almost all of the teams, making that transition to the tight end position.”
(If you could draw up an ideal NFL role for yourself, what would it be?) – “I would say just that, to be honest. I’m excited to take that hybrid role on and be a guy that can help out in the run game but also catch some passes and get some yards after catch for the team. I feel like a good hybrid position for me is definitely where I envision myself.”
(I saw you were born in Florida. Do you still have family ties here? Are you excited to return to the state you came from originally?) – “Yeah, I’m actually in Tampa right now. My family moved back here and then my entire extended family is here as well. I’m excited to be back a little closer to home, be near family and be able to see family as well.”
(Can you take us through the emotions of getting that call and what that moment was like for you?) – “Yeah, it was a long process for sure. It was definitely difficult getting into Round 5, getting through Round 6. I was just kind of waiting around and it happened. I would say it’s definitely challenging to describe, but definitely a lot of emotions all at once. I think the ability to be able to process all those different types of emotions with family around was definitely a cool experience.”
(Just looking at some of your stats, you established yourself your junior year. Talk to me a little bit about your versatility. Is there anyone in particular that you like to model your game after?) – “I would say at this point now that I’m in the league – now that it’s past the draft, I would say no. I’m excited to take on my own identity as a football player and obviously, playing within the role of whatever system the Miami Dolphins have in mind for me. But I’m just excited to create my own identity on the football field.”
(Are there any challenges that you are kind of discouraged on as far as what may transpire or may not transpire as far as like the role?) – “I’m excited for challenges, man. I’m excited to grow. I’m excited for the experiences and stuff, and I’m excited to get better. So I’ll take on those challenges, and I’m excited for them.”
(I’m just curious to see if you have any prior connections to anybody on the Dolphins roster or coaches?) – “Not that I know of. I threw with Mike White a little bit these past few weeks when he was training in Tampa, but outside of that, that’s pretty much it.”
(Did you and QB Mike White have conversations about, “How cool would it be if you wounded up joining me with the Dolphins?”) – “No, it was just passing and catching out there. Not too much conversation. Just playing football.”
(What were your impressions of Head Coach Mike McDaniel in the pre-draft process and meeting him? A unique coach to say the least.) – “For sure. My knowledge of him, he’s just a great dude all around. He seems like a player’s coach, for sure. But the one coach I spent the most time with was the tight ends coach, Coach (Jon) Embree.”
(What did you think of Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Jon Embree then?) – “I love Coach Embree, to be honest. He’s one of the favorite guys I met through this whole process, and that’s in all honesty. So I’m excited to work with him. I’m excited to be challenged, and I’m excited to learn from underneath him.”
