The original plan at Ensworth was for Cornelius Elder to play some in the secondary and as a punt returner and get an occasional carry on offense this football season. But when top running back Rodney Anderson tore ligaments in his knee during a summer camp at the University of Kentucky, Elder’s significance for the 2010 Tigers grew.
The shifty sophomore, nicknamed “Corn” by teammates, had little trouble taking over as the Nashville team’s main offensive option, and he is a major reason Ensworth is playing in a state championship game for the first time in program history. Even at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, he also is the biggest obstacle between Baylor and its first state title since 1973.
Baylor and Ensworth meet tonight at 8 EST in Cookeville in the TSSAA Division II-AA final.
“We know we have to stop him somehow if we expect to win this game,” Baylor coach Phil Massey said. “He’s the best back we’ve faced all year, without a doubt. With his speed and ability to cut and stay on his feet after contact, he’s just unbelievable.”
Elder rushed for 1,768 yards and 23 touchdowns to become the only sophomore finalist for the state’s Mr. Football back of the year awards. After losing its first two games of the season, Ensworth has won nine straight, including a come-from-behind one-point win over Brentwood Academy in which Elder ran for 202 yards.
But there was no game he influenced more than Ensworth’s first meeting with Baylor. In the Tigers’ 41-29 win, Elder ran for 260 yards, averaging 17 yards per carry. He scored on two runs, a pass reception and a punt return. Twice Baylor pulled within one score of tying the game, but each time Elder responded with a big play — returning a punt 70 yards for a TD, then adding a 63-yard run with four minutes remaining.
“Corn is just special, and that’s the only way to describe him,” said Ensworth’s Mr. Football lineman finalist, Keenan Crenshaw. “He’s already one of the best backs in the state, and he is going to be a name everybody knows in the next couple of years.”
Elder admitted it took him a couple of games to overcome the early-season jitters.
“But after the MBA game, even though we lost, I realized I could play at this level,” Elder said. “I’m not too big on contact. I try to use my speed and quickness and avoid tacklers and get in the open field.
“Our line has made it pretty easy on me. I just go out there and find the hole and hit it. Once I get past the line, it’s kind of my job to make people miss or get past them and make something big happen.”