The 2026 graduating class is enjoying their summer before heading off to college.

One member of the class has a shorter summer than most. But there’s a very good reason for that.

James Elliott, a two-year varsity football player, heads off to Annapolis, Maryland, later this month and to the Naval Academy.

Elliott shares his journey from Scout to Midshipman in this episode of The Athletic Scout podcast.

Topics discussed:

* The day he learned he’d been accepted into the Naval Academy

* The arduous application process and when he decided to pursue it

* What’s required from a physical fitness perspective

* How he defines leadership and being a captain

* How playing in the LFHS football program helped lead him on the path to a military academy education

Really good stuff with James. Such a unique story, and I couldn’t be happier for him.

Here are a few clips from the interview:

How Athletics Built His Leadership Skills:

What Being A Captain Taught Me:

How the Navy Offer Played Out:

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