Temple University Athletics
NT Elisha Joseph
Eli Joseph: Growing into a Leader
10.21.10 | Football
Gameday Program Feature Story
by Cathy Bongiovi, Athletic Communications
Senior tackle Elisha Joseph has always been in the shadows. Born 20 minutes after twin brother and Owl teammate Elijah “Peanut” Joseph, Eli grew up with three older brothers.
“Peanut and I started playing football at age seven, because our older brother encouraged us to play,” Eli said. “Basically he made us play football.”
Hailing from an athletic family, the Connecticut natives quickly followed in their brothers' footsteps, playing football, basketball, and baseball.
“We've always done things together,” Peanut said. “Whatever Eli did, I did. Whatever activities we were involved in, we did together.”
A 2006 graduate, Eli played wide receiver and safety at Hartford Public High School. An All-State honoree at both positions, he and Peanut helped the team to back-to-back Central Connecticut Eastern Conference titles, posting an 8-2 record as seniors in 2005. Eli, who graduated with honors, served as the team captain in the Connecticut-Rhode Island Governor's Cup All-Star Game, making a touchdown reception.
Following graduation, the twins enrolled at the Kent School where they played football in the fall of 2006.
Then it came time to pick a college. Do they stay together or go their separate ways?
“We wanted to come together, and it just worked out that way,” said Peanut, who still rooms with his brother. “We were just comfortable with each other, and staying together was better in the long run.”
Since arriving on the North Broad Street campus in 2007, Eli has worked hard on and off the field. He is now the “big” brother, holding a 40-pound muscular edge over his older twin. The four-year starter has received numerous academic honors, including yearly citations on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll. In 2009, Eli was the recipient of the Athletic Dept.'s inaugural Enterprise Spirit & Sportsmanship Award.
Peanut has noticed a big change in his younger brother since coming to Temple.
“His dedication and preparation,” Peanut said. “He's so involved. I really admire his energy and passion.”
“From the first day I was trying my best just to get the team better,” Eli added. “It's a day-by-day process.”
As a true freshman, Eli played in all 12 games with one start, becoming one of 20 true freshmen to see game action and one of 12 true freshmen to earn a starting role.
As a sophomore in 2008, he played in 11 games with three starts. Growing into a leadership role early, Eli was named captain for the Buffalo game.
Last fall as a junior, he played in all 13 games with three starts at left end.
As a senior this fall, Eli anchors the defensive line at nose tackle. He's taken over for three-time All-MAC honoree Andre Neblett, who now plays for the Carolina Panthers.
“I don't feel any pressure at all,” Eli said of his new role. “I have great players like Jaiquawn Jarrett and Muhammad Wilkerson helping me out, so there's no pressure at all.”
Eli has twice been named a team captain in the early going, and he relishes his new leadership role.
“As a senior, I just try to be the best leader I can be,” Eli said. “I try to help the team get better day by day.”
Off the field, Eli likes to play cards and watch movies in his free time.
“He's really laid back,” Peanut shared.
While the fraternal twins are easy to tell apart physically, they share a life-long history.
“We're a lot different, but I think we're more alike than people think.” Peanut said.
When his time in the Cherry & White is over, the criminal justice major already has plans.
“After graduation, I'd like to go to grad school for my master's and hopefully get a job,” Eli said.
Until then, Eli and the Temple defense have plenty of work to do.
“I'm empowered.” Eli said. “I try to be the best leader on and off the field every day.”
Eli Joseph has emerged from the shadows and grown into a true leader.
Senior tackle Elisha Joseph has always been in the shadows. Born 20 minutes after twin brother and Owl teammate Elijah “Peanut” Joseph, Eli grew up with three older brothers.
“Peanut and I started playing football at age seven, because our older brother encouraged us to play,” Eli said. “Basically he made us play football.”
Hailing from an athletic family, the Connecticut natives quickly followed in their brothers' footsteps, playing football, basketball, and baseball.
“We've always done things together,” Peanut said. “Whatever Eli did, I did. Whatever activities we were involved in, we did together.”
A 2006 graduate, Eli played wide receiver and safety at Hartford Public High School. An All-State honoree at both positions, he and Peanut helped the team to back-to-back Central Connecticut Eastern Conference titles, posting an 8-2 record as seniors in 2005. Eli, who graduated with honors, served as the team captain in the Connecticut-Rhode Island Governor's Cup All-Star Game, making a touchdown reception.
Following graduation, the twins enrolled at the Kent School where they played football in the fall of 2006.
Then it came time to pick a college. Do they stay together or go their separate ways?
“We wanted to come together, and it just worked out that way,” said Peanut, who still rooms with his brother. “We were just comfortable with each other, and staying together was better in the long run.”
Since arriving on the North Broad Street campus in 2007, Eli has worked hard on and off the field. He is now the “big” brother, holding a 40-pound muscular edge over his older twin. The four-year starter has received numerous academic honors, including yearly citations on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll. In 2009, Eli was the recipient of the Athletic Dept.'s inaugural Enterprise Spirit & Sportsmanship Award.
Peanut has noticed a big change in his younger brother since coming to Temple.
“His dedication and preparation,” Peanut said. “He's so involved. I really admire his energy and passion.”
“From the first day I was trying my best just to get the team better,” Eli added. “It's a day-by-day process.”
As a true freshman, Eli played in all 12 games with one start, becoming one of 20 true freshmen to see game action and one of 12 true freshmen to earn a starting role.
As a sophomore in 2008, he played in 11 games with three starts. Growing into a leadership role early, Eli was named captain for the Buffalo game.
Last fall as a junior, he played in all 13 games with three starts at left end.
As a senior this fall, Eli anchors the defensive line at nose tackle. He's taken over for three-time All-MAC honoree Andre Neblett, who now plays for the Carolina Panthers.
“I don't feel any pressure at all,” Eli said of his new role. “I have great players like Jaiquawn Jarrett and Muhammad Wilkerson helping me out, so there's no pressure at all.”
Eli has twice been named a team captain in the early going, and he relishes his new leadership role.
“As a senior, I just try to be the best leader I can be,” Eli said. “I try to help the team get better day by day.”
Off the field, Eli likes to play cards and watch movies in his free time.
“He's really laid back,” Peanut shared.
While the fraternal twins are easy to tell apart physically, they share a life-long history.
“We're a lot different, but I think we're more alike than people think.” Peanut said.
When his time in the Cherry & White is over, the criminal justice major already has plans.
“After graduation, I'd like to go to grad school for my master's and hopefully get a job,” Eli said.
Until then, Eli and the Temple defense have plenty of work to do.
“I'm empowered.” Eli said. “I try to be the best leader on and off the field every day.”
Eli Joseph has emerged from the shadows and grown into a true leader.
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