Of the hundreds of top caliber athletes attending the National Preps Collegiate Showcase at Vacaville Christian High on November 21, one stood out from the rest. That standout was Moreau Catholic-Hayward star and Cal-committed senior Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
“I wanted to get some work in,” Elarms-Orr responded when asked why he attended the event. “I hadn’t been on a football field, like actually doing stuff since spring ball, so I wanted to get some work in. Wasn’t trying to really prove anything, just wanted to have some fun.”
Get some work in he did, as Elarms-Orr came out of the showcase as the overall MVP of the entire event. His performance in the drills grabbed the attention of many in attendance, but especially the attention of 247Sports National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman.
“Elarms-Orr has the natural length and twitch to be an optimal pass-rusher at the next level,” Huffman remarked. “But what stood out was just how fluid and athletic he looked in the linebacker drills, at his size especially. He just looked like a natural dropping into coverage when his strength is to get to the quarterback.”
Elarms-Orr has not let the Covid-19 pandemic disrupt his constant grind, as he has managed to find ways to stay in peak shape through all the distractions of 2020. In order to accomplish his goals, taking days off is simply not an option.
“I’ve been going to my trainer’s gym daily to work out, and I have also been hitting the field and doing a lot of cardio as well,” Elarms-Orr said. “My main motivation is myself. Every day I constantly want to get better so I can excel at the next level, even in the NFL.”
The next level is where he is headed, as the 4-star recruit committed to Cal early this October. Elarms-Orr is extremely motivated on the gridiron and in the classroom, and he felt that Cal was the best place to continue his education while also being able to perform at a Power 5 football program.
“Committing to Cal means a lot to me. Being able to compete with the best in the Pac-12, and also getting an education at one of the top universities in the world is a blessing,” explained Elarms-Orr. “What stood out to me about Cal is how defensive-minded their staff is. Coaches Sirmon and Wilcox put a lot of emphasis into the defensive guys and the linebackers play a big role in that defense, so I felt it was right for me.”
While Saturdays are in his future, Elarms-Orr is focused on Friday nights for now. He hopes to lead Moreau Catholic to a Mission Valley Athletic League title this season after finishing second last season.
“I just want to have fun and prove that Moreau Catholic is a top contender in California this year,” Elarms-Orr remarked.
While there is still uncertainty on a football season this year, Elarms-Orr continues to do all he can to prove he is one of the top linebackers in California. Winning overall MVP honors at the National Collegiate Preps Showcase certainly doesn’t hurt his cause.
“It’s a huge blessing to win MVP, and if I keep working there are many more accomplishments coming.”
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of exclusive in-depth features on the various position and class MVPs at the National Preps Showcase written by Prep2Prep student contributors Mateo Arenas and Dylan Freeman and Prep2Prep Senior Editor Harold Abend.
