Though he was dealt a bad hand with a shortened 2020 season, Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby made the most of it.
In just six games last year, Eleby threw for 1,715 yards, 18 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. With him under center, the Broncos averaged a whopping 41.7 points per game, placing them in the top 10 in the FBS. Now, as he heads into the 2021 season with a full schedule ahead of him, he hopes to parlay his success into another strong year that can elevate him as a prospect for the 2022 NFL draft.
Draft Wire had the chance to speak exclusively with Eleby about maintaining his arm talent, which areas he intends on improving in going forward, how playing with 2021 second-round pick D’Wayne Eskridge helped both players’ development, and much more.
JI: You put together a really good year in 2020, but with the shortened season due to COVID, Western Michigan only played six games. What’s been the key for you maintaining that momentum and building off of it this year?
KE: The biggest key is just continuing to focus on the areas that I feel like I need to improve upon within my game. We fell short of our goal; we didn’t get a MAC championship, and we’re trying to do everything in our power in order to do so.
JI: Would you say there’s a specific area that you have in mind that you want to improve on, whether it’s a weakness of yours, or an area that you’re good at that you feel like you can be even better at?
KE: I would just say consistency, being able to execute at a high level consistently is the biggest thing. There’s really been a focus on execution and consistency all the way around, [on] leadership on and off the field. That was kind of my focus this offseason: trying to get ready for the upcoming year.
JI: You might have one of the strongest arms in the nation right now. So, what goes into it? There’s not a lot of talk about what goes into the process of strengthening your arm as a quarterback. Is there like a specific workout that helps out with that, or would you say repetition in throwing helps out with that?
KE: I’ll have to say a combination of everything. Your body is the most important thing, and being able to take care of it at a high level allows you to be able to perform at a high level. I’ve really just been focusing on everything, head to toe, trying to improve everything. As far as taking care of my body, [I’ve done] extra treatment, kowtows on a regular basis, coming up with a routine that would just allow me to be able to be at my best consistently.
JI: Going back to your 2020 season, your teammate, D’Wayne Eskridge, got drafted in the second round this year. How did working with him help you out in your first year as a full-time starter, and how did you guys complement each other’s skill sets?
KE: Yeah, he was just a great guy to be around. He was a leader both on and off the field, and he had a lot of knowledge for the game, and the thing about it was we were able to communicate well; communication is definitely key…there was a lot that went into it as far as the communication aspect, and we really built that chemistry.
JI: Now that he’s gone, which receivers on your roster should fans keep an eye on to fill his role this year?
KE: Yeah, I mean, it takes 11 men; it’s an 11-man operation. I feel that we have a lot of guys [that are] going to step up. We’re bringing back two all-conference receivers in Jaylen Hall and Skyy Moore. We have a lot of [receivers] that are going to have a great opportunity to showcase what they can do in Corey Crooms, and we have a transfer Bryce Nunnelly just to name a few, but I’m pretty excited.
JI: When you’re preparing for a passing play, what are the first things that you’re looking for pre-snap, and immediately post-snap?
KE: I like seeing, “What is the look? What is the defense showing pre-snap?” Then, [I’m] trying to come up with things as far as what the defense could do post-snap, going back into the film study, what the game plan was earlier in the week, tendencies and the amount of film stuff that you watch it heading into the week that allows you to be able to kind of predict things a little bit before they’re happening or know what to expect.
JI: Would you say that if you had to choose, would mental preparation or physical preparation be more important?
KE: Personally, I always feel like the smarter players are always the better player, in my opinion.
JI: Which quarterbacks have you grown up idolizing, and is there anyone you’ve taken some parts of their game and applied it to yours?
KE: Yeah, I grew up watching Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Donovan McNabb, guys like that. I took the time out, going to watch over the years, just seeing what separates those guys from being good and great. It’s just the amount of work and preparation that goes into it: how they’re prepared, their attitude, the leadership both on and off the field. I try to take little nuggets from each one and try to make the complete, best version of myself.
JI: How do you like to spend your free time outside of football, and how were you spending your time this offseason outside of workouts and practices?
KE: So, I’m the oldest of five; I have four younger brothers, so just being able to talk a little ball with them; they all play football as well. [I’ve been] being around them and kind of being away from the game, but also teaching them some things that I know. It’s always fun just to watch them grow.
JI: Did growing up in that kind of environment with all those brothers add a bit more of a competitive edge? I’ve got a brother, so I know how that kind of stuff goes.
KE: Yeah, absolutely. Lot of wrestling going on in the house [laughs].
JI: Heading into this year, it doesn’t really seem like there’s a consensus QB1 in this class. With your name being in that conversation, what separates you from other quarterbacks in this class, and what do you think is your defining trait?
KE: I would have to say leadership. I just love to win. I feel like there’s a lot of guys who want to win just as much as me, but I feel like the offseason and the things that you do when people aren’t watching is where it really matters.
JI: Obviously, you’ve got a lot of time before you have to figure out your decision regarding the draft, but this year, what are you looking to prove to pro teams and scouts? What would they be getting if they’re looking to draft you to their team?
KE: I just want people who recognize me for who I am both on and off the field, my play, and who I am as a person. I think people who know me will be able to say that they’re going to get a hard worker: someone who loves to win.
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