New York City's  Elsmore Gabriel

In a few months, Elsmore Gabriel will leave the bustle of New York behind for the relative calm of Clemson, South Carolina and the start of his career as a Division I football player.  But before he packs the bags and makes the move, he has one final date with the top area players in the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge.

“This is my last game in New York and my last game against the players in the city, before I head south for college,” the 6-4, 250 pound defensive end from Christ the King said. “I want to have some fun in this game and use it as a chance to showcase my talents.

“There are some private school players that I know on both teams, but what I am really looking forward to is playing with the public school guys. I’ve read a lot about them and I am looking forward to matching up with them in the game,” Gabriel noted.

When he entered the season, Gabriel had his sights set not only on a scholarship, but on an invitation to play in the Empire Challenge. Despite battling some injuries, he was able to accomplish both.  Clemson won a recruiting battle with South Carolina, Virginia and Syracuse for his signature on a scholarship, and he became the latest Christ the King player to earn a spot in the Empire Challenge.

“The past two years there have been players from my school play in the game (James Baldi and Rolando Garcia in 2002 and Justin Capace in 2003) ,” Gabriel said. I am proud to continue that tradition. This is something I was shooting for as part of my senior year.”

As an athlete whose profile continues to rise, Gabriel has begun to experience the power and responsibility of being more widely known. It’s a side of being successful in football that he does not shy away from.

 ‘It’s great to know that I’m in a position that because of what I like to do, I can help to raise money for such a good cause,” he stated. “I know that kids will look up to me, and that influences how I play and the leadership I show on the field. Thankfully, no one in my family has had to deal with CF yet, but one of my friends has a sibling with it. It’s a serious disease and the fight needs a lot of money to keep going. This game, and all the stuff that Boomer is doing is a great thing, and I am honored to be able to make it happen this year.”

While the mid-summer game date might be a challenge for some, Gabriel views it as just a chance to jump start his acclamation to the steamy South Carolina climate. He also knows that to take preparations lightly is to invite a rude awakening.

“It’s earlier than usual to be playing a game, but my mindset is that everyone in the game will be looking to show the others what they can do. I know the boys will be after me and I need to be ready,” he acknowledged. “I am working out with my cousins and others and they are keeping me focused to make sure I’m ready to play. “