After all-state football season, Dover’s Sessoms looks to build up Division I prospects
DOVER, Del. (BVM) — Dover High School junior Elijah Sessoms came into his second varsity campaign as a little-heralded, two-way player for the Senators. After playing as a tight end for the team as a sophomore when he was used primarily for blocking, there was not a ton of hype surrounding the 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior even after a season in which he scored three touchdowns with a 16-yard average per catch. Though he may not have had many eyes on him early, Sessoms made himself noticed by season’s end.
“With the whole pandemic, I was just blessed to receive a junior season,” Sessoms said. “I was just hoping to play all the games and have a season with all my teammates and just enjoy the atmosphere of my junior year.”
Despite playing in a traditionally run-centric offense, Sessoms was able to build off of his sophomore year by doubling his receptions (21) and nearly doubling his receiving yards (275) and touchdowns (five) on the season. Playing on a Senators team that would finish the campaign 2-4, Sessoms’ ability as both a receiver and blocker got the attention of coaches from around the state as the junior would earn first team All-Cape Henlopen Conference as well as first team all-state honors at the tight end position, his first time earning either honor.
“It felt amazing,” Sessoms said. “It was shocking how I bursted out and that was a lot to take in when it first started happening. … In my head, being in Dover, I thought nobody knew who I was. I thought I didn’t really make a name for myself in the state just yet. Getting the all-state honor meant a lot. It meant that I’m not under the radar, but I still have a lot more to improve.”
Blessed to receive 2020 1st Team ALL Conference TE #ALLin pic.twitter.com/JmOMcRGoCj
— Elijah Sessoms (@ElijahSessoms2) December 10, 2020
Athleticism has never been a question for Sessoms. As a starter for the Dover boys basketball team as well, Sessoms has been able to display both his agile feet for his size as well as ability to handle the ball. Sessoms feels he can do it all for his coaches and teammates.
“I feel like I’m an old-school tight end,” Sessoms said. “I can be a go-to guy. I’m a reliable source. I can do it all in a way. I can block. I can catch. I can get my teammates open. I can do it all. I open up a lot for the offense.”
In the mold of a prototypical tight end, it came as no surprise that once Sessoms’ ability on the gridiron was noticed by more high school coaches, it was also noticed by more college coaches as well.
Throughout the season, Sessoms gained interest from a number of Division I football programs, most notably Coastal Carolina University, University of Connecticut and Delaware State University. On Dec. 21, Sessoms also got the news he had long waited for, his first Division I scholarship offer from the Delaware State Hornets.
“Getting that DI offer from Delaware State University it really shocked my whole family,” Sessoms said. “It shocked my mom mostly. She started crying and all that. It was a lot and it is a lot to take in.”
I am blessed to receive my first D1 offer from Delaware State University @Milstead69 @BossardBryan 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/qWKEdBhNSi
— Elijah Sessoms (@ElijahSessoms2) December 21, 2020
Even with his first scholarship offer in hand, Sessoms only wants to build off of his opportunities. This offseason, Sessoms attended an ESPN 300 elite underclassmen camp to help him build his collegiate stock. It also doesn’t hurt to have his head coach Rudy Simonetti beating the drum for him, frequently posting his Hudl highlights and tagging coaches and programs from across the country to come look at his star tight end.
“It was shocking to get an invite (for the camp) because I’ve never received anything like that before. It was an amazing feeling,” Sessoms said. “[Coach Simonetti] is an amazing coach. He just looks out for any and everybody that’s asking for help.
With another season to improve once again, Sessoms won’t come into this year as an unknown, but as a threat for opposing defenses. This challenge will help Sessoms prove he can not only play well, but can still put up numbers while being keyed on. With that in mind, Sessoms is focused on improving in all aspects of life.
“I want to earn more awards, get better academically, improve my size, speed and ability,” Sessoms said. “I want to just improve overall as a person, student and an athlete.”
As he looks to grow his game during one more offseason, Sessoms will also look to grow his recruiting list to include many more Division I offers. With his size, strength and athleticism, don’t be surprised to see Sessoms’ recruiting pick up steam over his final year with the Senators.
“I’m really focused on getting my degree in college and playing at the next level would really be a blessing for me and my family,” Sessoms said. “I could see myself going far. Going from DI college realm to the big stage — the NFL.”
