Blue Devil Country

Duke Football Star: Coach Mike Elko 'Changed My Life'

It sounds like Duke football's newest member of the 3,000-yard club, Jalon Calhoun, has a forever friend in Mike Elko.

Matt Giles

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With his seven catches for 71 yards and one touchdown in Duke football's 30-19 home win over Pitt (3-9, 2-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon, fifth-year Blue Devil wide receiver Jalon Calhoun became only the fourth player in program history to eclipse 3,000 career receiving yards. A memorable Senior Day, indeed.

The victory guaranteed the Blue Devils (7-5, 4-4 ACC) a second winning record in as many years under head coach Mike Elko.

Speaking of Elko, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Calhoun was more than happy — seemingly almost to the point of shedding tears, as one can see in the video above — to discuss the impact that his second Duke football head coach has had on him as a player and person.

"I've had a long career here, as y'all know, and a lot went on and stuff," Calhoun, part of the three losing campaigns that closed out David Cutcliffe's tenure, explained to the media when asked about his postgame hug with the 46-year-old Elko. "And Coach Elko came in and just changed my life for the better, honestly, thinking-wise, mentally-wise, playing-wise. And I just love that man.

"He just changed my life. Really, that's all that moment was...I'm thankful for him."

Calhoun has only one game left playing for Mike Elko, as this Duke football squad will find out its bowl destination next Sunday.

But according to the Greenville, S.C., native, his relationship the 2022 ACC Coach of the Year will live on well beyond his playing days in Durham.

"We'll never lose communication after this," the 22-year-old Jalon Calhoun confirmed. "That's one of the things he told me down there: 'Anything you need, just hit me up.' And I appreciate him for that. He's been straight up with me since he got here. That's just the type of dude he is. And I commend him for that."

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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