Overlooked as a recruit, Alcoa alum Eli Graf is competing to be Carson-Newman’s starting quarterback
Carson-Newman hopes Graf’s championship pedigree leads to success with the Eagles
What This Story Is About
- Former Alcoa High School standout quarterback Eli Graf competing to be the starting quarterback at Carson-Newman University.
Why It Matters
- Graf is defying the odds after being overlooked during the recruiting process to compete for a starting job at the Division II level.
What Happens Next
- Carson-Newman opens the season on August 27th against Tiffin University.
For Context
- The Eagles are looking to make a third straight trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs
Catch Up
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - In 2024, Eli Graf was one of the most dangerous high school football players in Tennessee.
Graf led Alcoa to a 10th consecutive state championship, passing for 1,853 yards and 25 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He added over 1,100 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground on his way to being named the 5StarPreps Offensive Player of the Year and a Mr. Football finalist.
Despite a nearly spotless resume, Graf was an overlooked recruit, especially at quarterback. He had the numbers but stands at just 5-foot-9.
“I’ve been told my whole life I’m too short to play quarterback,” Graf said.
The coaching staff at Carson-Newman didn’t agree.
After redshirting as a true freshman, Graf has positioned himself to become a rare freshman starter for the Eagles. He is competing with UNC Pembroke transfer Shooby Coleman, Saint Francis transfer Payton Wehner and returner Justin Johnson for the starting spot.
The Eagles are in the first year of the Tyler Almond era. Almond takes over for Ashley Ingram after a successful two-year run as Carson-Newman’s defensive coordinator.
“They’re really players’ coaches,” Graf said of the staff. “They give us knowledge so we can be coaches on the field and be confident in every decision that we make.”
Carson-Newman opens the 2026 season at home on Aug. 27 against Tiffin University.
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