Story of resilience: Elijah Tau-Tolliver

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – College football officially is back and Sacramento State kicks off their season against San Jose State. With a new season, guys are fighting to prove they deserve a starting job.

For one running back, he’s been patiently waiting for opportunity, and this year feels like the season he’s been waiting for to do so. 

“Feeling forgotten like I’m not helping the team,” running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver said.  

Tau-toliver is entering his fourth season with the Hornets.

Before joining Sacramento State, the running back was Nevada’s Gatorade Player of the Year.   

“Mental toughness was a big thing for me,” the Sparks, Nevada native said.  “Coming out of high school I was, ‘The guy.’ I was starting. I’ve always been the guy there and then coming here not being the guy. It messed me up at first. It was a culture shock like, ‘Woah.’”

The junior added: “It was tough. Coming from that to not playing at all. But it was good I still got to contribute to the team.”

Tau-Tolliver didn’t start as fast as he hoped, but he learned from two of Hornet’s best running backs. Including 2022’s Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in Cameron Skattebo, and Marcus Fulcher who in 2023 led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.

Tau-Tolliver is now getting a chance to shine.

“I think he’s had a great offseason,” head coach Andy Thompson said.

“He really worked on pushing his body to some places he’s never been and his mental toughness. You know running backs have a lot of contact. They gotta be able to pass block. They gotta be able to run, they gotta be able to catch passes. I think he’s done a good job at working at all parts of his game so he can be a complete running back.” 

From the age of five years old, Tau-Tolliver knew football was his passion.

“I would say you have to earn everything, it’s not just gonna be given to you. You gotta work hard every day for everything.”

It’s a new chapter and a new opportunity. The running back is ready to move forward.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air. I’m still here like it’s not over.”

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Kirsten Kellar

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