Stein excited to rep Hogs in All-American Bowl

Elijah Stein is the No. 4 long snapper in the nation.

It won’t be the first time a true freshman has come to Arkansas with the hope of replacing a Phil Steele preseason All-SEC selection who is declaring for for the NFL Draft.

But there have likely not been many who have tried to do so as a long snapper as one future Razorback will attempt to do.

That is the goal of Cambridge, Wisc., star snapper Eli Stein (6-3, 215),  an All-American Bowl selection who is looking to fill in for trusty Razorback long snapper Jordan Silver.

“I kind of knew he was planning on trying to make it in the NFL, but I didn’t know if he was going go try it through the draft or as a free agent,” Stein said of Silver, a fifth-year senior who had one year of eligibility remaining.

“I am super grateful for the opportunity and timing and everything lining up perfectly with him being a senior and being on scholarship and there only being one scholarship for a long snapper.

“The timing was perfect and I am not going to let this opportunity be wasted."

Stein is one of four Arkansas 2022 signees invited to the  All-American Bowl, which is set for 12 p.m. on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. It will be televised by NBC.

Razorback wide receiver signees Isaiah Sategna (5-11, 170) of Fayetteville and Sam Mbake (6-3, 205) of Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb, and Maumelle offensive lineman Andre Chamblee (6-7, 300) joined Stein for Tuesday’s first practices.

Arkansas defensive back Myles Rowser (6-1, 180) was also invited, but it has not been confirmed that he is on hand.

All five are listed on the East roster for Saturday’s game.

“It is awesome,” Stein said. “The excitement has been building since I got the invitation back in the summer almost. It’s great to finally be here. The first day was kind of crazy with all the stuff we get and it’s been fun these first couple of days so far.”

Stein, who was an all-conference tight end and defensive end, wouldn’t mind making a tackle on Saturday.

“That was definitely one of my biggest selling points when I was getting recruited,” Stein said. “Coaches liked that I was fast and played other positions.

“Being a snapper is, of course, not every kid’s dream. But I do it because it was a way to get on the field, and I really wanted to contribute. The idea that I could run down the field (at Arkansas) and make a tackle is awesome. I am really excited.”

He was very pleased with Arkansas’ turnaround this season, going from three wins in 2020 to a 9-4 mark capped by an 24-10 win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.

“That was unreal, especially because after I committed before the season everybody was talking about old Arkansas and how I was going to get plenty of punting snaps,” Stein said with a laugh. “I told them, ‘Just wait. Coach (Sam) Pittman told me he is going to turn it around,' and he did and it was super fun watching it happen and watching the game.

“I thought they played really well against Penn State.”

Stein is looking forward to working with Arkansas kicker Cam Little, who was 20 of 24 on field goals and 46 of 46 extra points as a freshman.

“He was my host for my official visit and I get along with him really well,” Stein said. “He is really cool and I am glad he is young, too, because that means we will be able to work together for a while. 

“I’m really happy and will be going down there in a couple of weeks and looking forward to hanging out again.”

Stein is trying to take the experience in full.

“I am really excited about it, but right now I am just focused on enjoying the week,” Stein said. “I only get to do this once, so I am not trying to miss it by thinking too much about the future.

“I wouldn’t mind getting my name called out, but only if it was for a tackle, because I don’t want to get mentioned for a bad snap. It’s going to be fun and I am just going to try and enjoy the week as it goes.”