Lonoke's Elmore to play college football at Division III Washington University in STL

Lonoke football player Chandler Elmore signs with Washington University in St. Louis during a ceremony in the foyer of the Gina Cox Center on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Elmore Family)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LONOKE — Lonoke Jackrabbits football player Chandler Elmore is taking his game to the collegiate level.

Elmore signed a National Letter of Intent with Washington University in St. Louis, which is an NCAA Division III school. He signed during a ceremony in the foyer of the Gina Cox Center on Wednesday. 

Elmore, who played linebacker for the Jackrabbits, said signing to play college football is not a dream come true, "just a big personal accomplishment."

"It gives me a lot of personal satisfaction and insight towards my future," he said. "Being accepted into a school like Washington University is humbling."

Elmore, who was named first team conference in 2014, said he was looking for a top-ranked university with a smaller, more intimate athletic program.

"Washington met and surprised every standard by leaps and bounds," Elmore said. "And the hospitality from coaches and players alike was a huge bonus."

Elmore was recruited as an athlete by head coach Larry Kindbom.

"Coach Kindbom has discussed my contributions on both sides of the ball," Elmore said. "He liked the way I played outside linebacker though and would like to keep me in my element and let me grown. Playing a little offense would be nice though."

Elmore said he plans to major in biomedical or nuclear engineering.

"Another reason I picked Washington University was for its school of engineering," he said. 

Washington is in the same conference as Hendrix College in Conway. The Bears will play in Conway against the Warriors on Nov. 7.