Blue Devil Sensation: Mike Elko 'Changed My Life'

Originally posted on FanNation Blue Devil Country
By Matt Giles | Last updated 11/26/23

With his seven catches for 71 yards and one touchdown in Duke football's 30-19 home win over Pitt (3-9, 2-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon, fifth-year Blue Devil wide receiver Jalon Calhoun became only the fourth player in program history to eclipse 3,000 career receiving yards. A memorable Senior Day, indeed.

The victory guaranteed the Blue Devils (7-5, 4-4 ACC) a second winning record in as many years under head coach Mike Elko.

Speaking of Elko, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Calhoun was more than happy — seemingly almost to the point of shedding tears, as one can see in the video above — to discuss the impact that his second Duke football head coach has had on him as a player and person.

"I've had a long career here, as y'all know, and a lot went on and stuff," Calhoun, part of the three losing campaigns that closed out David Cutcliffe's tenure, explained to the media when asked about his postgame hug with the 46-year-old Elko. "And Coach Elko came in and just changed my life for the better, honestly, thinking-wise, mentally-wise, playing-wise. And I just love that man.

"He just changed my life. Really, that's all that moment was...I'm thankful for him."

Calhoun still has only one game left playing for Elko, as the Blue Devils will find out their bowl destination next Sunday.

But according to the Greenville, S.C., native, his relationship with Mike Elko will live on well beyond his playing days in Durham.

"We'll never lose communication after this," the 22-year-old Jalon Calhoun confirmed. "That's one of the things he told me down there: 'Anything you need, just hit me up.' And I appreciate him for that. He's been straight up with me since he got here. That's just the type of dude he is. And I commend him for that."

This article first appeared on FanNation Blue Devil Country and was syndicated with permission.

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