Tag: Elliott Mealer

Elliott Mealer is better than me…

…and not just at football.

This is an “E:60” report from ESPN. It outlines the sad story of the deaths of Elliott Mealer’s father and girlfriend two years ago.

If I were Mealer, I would have stood up and walked away from Lisa Salters when she asked me what I whispered to my girlfriend as I held her dying body in my arms. Some things should be left between a person and his maker.

I’m guessing Elliott Mealer doesn’t want to be remembered for this car accident. Hopefully Michigan fans will someday know Mealer for his success on the field in Michigan Stadium. On a lot of teams, the fans’ favorite player is the backup quarterback. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen the favorite be a backup guard, but there’s a first time for everything.

2009 Countdown: #69 Elliott Mealer

Name: Elliott Mealer
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 299 lbs.
High School: Wauseon High School in Wauseon, OH
Position: Center/guard
Class: RS freshman
Jersey Number: #57
Prediction for 2009: Mop-up duty

Hardcore Michigan fans are well aware of Mealer’s plight. In December 2007, he and his family were involved in a nasty automobile accident at Christmas. Mealer’s father and girlfriend were killed and his brother was seriously injured. Elliott himself injured his shoulder and spent a good portion of 2008 recovering from the crash. He instantly became a fan favorite as Michigan fans, future Michigan teammates, and Michigan coaches rallied around Elliott and his brother.

Mealer redshirted in 2008 and got a slow start on the strength and conditioning program due to his injury. His situation is similar to that of Stephen Schilling, who suffered from a shoulder injury and mononucleosis early in his career. With the offensive line pretty well solidified for 2009, Mealer is battling for a spot on the two-deep at center or guard. He may get some time in mop-up duty, but it will probably be a couple years before Mealer sees significant playing time. I think I speak for all Michigan fans when I say we’ll be rooting for him all the way.