Hampton DE Elijah Conliffe lands more college offers
by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757
This appears to be a recurring theme for the Phantoms over the course of the last four weeks. May started with DeShawn Pope, Jr. grabbing his offer compliments of Kentucky Christian University. That was followed by Pope Jr. soon after picking up his second offer via Delaware State.
This set the stage for second-year starter Johnathan Gregory to receive his first offer. Gregory (JR SS 6-3 190) received his first offer by way of Morgan State University, on Saturday, who saw enough of the safety to skyrocket him to the number spot on their big board in terms of defensive backs. Gregory has been a staple for the Phantoms program since coming onto the scene his eighth grade year. The rising senior has been molded by Coach Jeremy Blunt and welcomes his first offer with open arms.
“It means a lot to me to get this first offer. Getting this offer motivates me to keep grinding so I can keep getting better. Initially they came out to my high school and I introduced myself to them right in front of my coaches. I ended up getting one of the coach’s number and I called the coach today for a brief conversation. I was told that I was the number one safety on their chart and they wanted to offer me. All he needed was the head coach to sign off on the offer. This year I’m going to be playing more wide receiver but I’m willing to play at any position that they need me to,” stated Gregory.
Gregory was nothing short of spectacular for the Phantoms last season. Although this was his first season playing on the varsity level, Gregory transitioned into a seasoned starter almost from the beginning of the season. The rising senior played 13 out of season only missing the initial Wilson game due to injury. Gregory was a part of a defensive secondary in Elijah Nelson, Marlon Carter, and Deshawn Pope Jr. that made it difficult to get anything over the top of the defense. For his troubles on the season Gregory was awarded All-Conference 27 1st Team Defense alongside Andre Smith, Shadarius Horne, Anthony Davila, and DeShawn Pope, Jr.
With his upside growing larger by the day Gregory still has a lot of work to do before the regular season starts.
“This year I plan on playing better so that I can possibly become an all-state safety. I’m also playing with my 7-on-7 team: 2nd Gear. Working with trainers on the weekend is something else that I’m getting into. At school we have weightlifting, so I’m in the gym Monday through Thursday right after school. I’m working with a tutor after school who is currently helping me with my grades and getting me through school. I’m basically doing everything I can be doing to keep me on top of my game,” said Gregory.
The Phantoms defense will stand to lose at least five starters across the defense as a whole. Phoebus looks to return Peyton Ryder, Keshawn Patterson, and Johnathon Gregory alongside many other players who helped lead Phoebus the state semifinals last season. Returning Coach Jeremy Blunt’s defense back to top form is, in part, a matter of which one of these guys desires to tap into their leadership reserve.
“I truly feel great about becoming a leader on our defense. I just need to continue to push everyone the same way Coach Blunt keeps pushing me and all of my other teammates. As long as we keep grinding and doing all the necessary things I don’t see why we can’t bring home a state title. We really work hard. Coach Blunt doesn’t let us do anything but grind so we don’t have a choice. We’re running all of the time and we’re getting stronger every day. There’s just so much talent on this team,” added Gregory.
Look for more to come from Johnathan Gregory and the Phoebus Phantoms as the off season continues to progress.
– Brandon Mitchell
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