John Curtis High School And Lamar Defensive Tackle Commit Elinus Noel III Making Sure No One Stands In His Way

by Jace LeJeune

At 6-2 1/2, 320 pounds, John Curtis High School senior defensive tackle Elinus Noel has been a force to be reckoned with ever since his freshman season, which is rare playing for the legendary coach J.T. Curtis. Over his career entering the 2020 season, the 1st Team All-South Louisiana Defensive Team selection has had over 200 tackles and 17 sacks. Not only has Noel been dominant wearing the famous red, white, and blue jerseys, but he also understands the winning culture of 27 state championships.

"Being at Curtis sets you at an advantage off the jump, and being set at the high standard, you don’t settle for less so we strive for the best every year," Noel said.

In order to set that high standard, Noel knows that he must set the tone of the game.

"My biggest strength is I can intimidate anybody and get them out their game, and I can out strength or technique anyone in front of me," Noel said.

Being a dominant force on the defensive line his sophomore season helped the Patriots break a four year drought in which the team did not win a state championship as the Patriots defeated the Catholic High School (B.R.) Bears 49-7 in the 2018 Division I state championship after falling to the Bears the previous season in the same game.

"Well, it was definitely hard knowing that we haven’t won in so long so that year was intense, and eventually, we came out with a win, and knowing we were going to play the same team that beat us in the Dome from the year before just put icing on the cake for win."

Last season, the Patriots had another strong season going 11-2 and losing to the Catholic High School (B.R.) Bears in the Division I semifinals, but fell short of a lot of expectations. So far in the 2020 season, the Patriots are off to a 2-2 start losing back to back regular season games for the first time in 46 years. Although both losses came against defending state champions in the Acadiana Wreckin' Rams and the Edna Karr Cougars, Noel believes that they should not be in this situation.

"Last year, I feel that we lost to ourselves not to the other team," Noel said. "It was a lot of small mistakes that became a big problem last year. This year, we started off a little rough, but we are getting better everyday as a unit so I feel good about my team."

The two time All-District selection is also feeling good about his play as well. In fact, he has received offers from Nicholls State, Grambling, Tennessee at Chattanooga, Texas Southern, South Alabama, Lamar, Arkansas Monticello, and McNeese State. Just recently in August, the three star defensive tackle prospect from River Ridge committed to the Lamar Cardinals.

"Well, to start off, they treated me like family and really showed that they wanted me, and not just as a athlete, but also as a student," Noel said.

Although bigger offers may be on the horizon for Noel, it will take some very big offers for him to change his commitment.

"Yes, I would consider other schools, but it will take a lot for me to turn down Lamar University," Noel said.

Besides trying to immediate opponents, there are other areas in which he is trying to perfect.

"I want to get smaller for speed and flexibility for ball," Noel said.

Being big, athletic, and have an intimidation factor as a defensive lineman sounds like a former All-American and NFL All-Pro defensive tackle.

"Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska/Detroit Lions/Miami Dolphins/Los Angeles Rams/Tampa Bay Buccaneers) hands down is my favorite player, because he is mean and grizzly, and I play just like that," Noel said.

Although Noel may be nasty on the field like his idol, he is quite the opposite off the field as his career goals are to make sure other athletes are accomplishing their dreams.

"I plan on being an agent for athletes and artist and taking care of contracts," Noel said.

There is also another interesting off the field fact that not a lot of people know about this intimidating force on the football field.

"Well, I really love anime but only my family and close friends know that lol," Noel said.

Confidence and intimidation matches Elinus Noel III's game with the John Curtis Patriots program as he is somebody that wants to set the tone at the line of scrimmage and will be there to play for 48 minutes.

Click the link below to check out Elinus Noel III's junior highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9546384/5e759987688e3b0a283afbfb

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Jace is from Addis, LA but resides in Port Allen, LA. Jace attends Southeastern Louisiana University and is majoring in Communications. This is Jace’s fourth year as Associate Editor at Louisiana Football Magazine. He is also a graduate from Catholic High School in baton-rouge where he was the editor of the school newspaper the “Bearly Published.” While at CHS, Jace also announced their football, basketball, and baseball games for the Bruin Broadcast Network which is the Catholic High’s streaming website for their events. On weekends, Jace is the PA announcer for his middle school football games. At home, Jace enjoys time with his family and friends. Besides being a huge football fan, Jace is also an avid NHRA drag racing fan.