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West Chester RB Jarel Elder's Career Day

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Division II West Chester University Golden Rams broke into the win column on Saturday at home, holding off Seton Hill, 48-38, to improve to 1-2.

The win featured a breakout performance from sophomore running back Jarel Elder. Making his first career start for the Golden Rams in place of the injured Brandon Monk, Elder rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. He also caught 8 passes for 84 yards and another score and returned two kickoffs for 34 yards. Put it all together and it adds up to 365 all-purpose yards, the third highest single-game total in program history. The performance earned him Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Elder knew he was busy, but he says his final stat line did surprise him a bit.

"Definitely, very surprised," Elder tells KYW Newsradio. "Actually my brother was the first one to tell me what the yards were and I was speechless."

Listen: Jarel Elder with KYW's Matt Leon

 

While Saturday was his first start at West Chester, Elder has been a key cog for the Golden Rams since his arrival on campus. Last year, as a freshman, he rushed for 414 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 25.4 yards on 23 kick returns. That includes one he returned 90 yards for a score. He talks about the difference between his first year on the field at West Chester and this year.

"The speed of the game," Elder says. "I've slowed it down a lot, just from watching film and just becoming more patient as a runner. I think that's been my biggest thing. Last year, it was real easy for me to just run and I wasn't particularly looking for anywhere to run. Now I'm following blocks, seeing where the defense is lined up and reading my second level cuts. I think it showed well this week."

Elder has already been a part of some really big wins with the Golden Rams and he is enjoying the ride at West Chester.

"It's a family atmosphere," Elder says. "From the time I stepped on campus, even when I was a senior in high school and I first came here, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be. The coaches, the players, everybody from the second you get on here, they treat you like we've known each other our whole lives."

Elder and the Golden Rams will visit Millersville on Saturday.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

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