JACKSONVILLE—It was an easy decision for Rod Elston.
 
His position coach at Auburn was the new head football coach at Jax State just minutes from where he grew up.
 
"He took plenty of chances on me at Auburn," said Elston of coach Charles Kelly. "We built the trust, built a good relationship; so, when he got the chance to get the head coaching job here, and told me that he had a spot for me, it was a no brainer to come back home and play for him."
 
Elston joined the team in January and was a big asset in helping a secondary with 13 new players getting on the same page having familiarity with the way Kelly runs things. During his seven months in the program, Elston has seen that group improve quite a bit.
 
"Coming from the spring, I feel like Coach Kelly's done a good job of developing these guys and they've learned the system, and we brought some pieces in that help them get more developed. I think we've taken a big step forward in a good direction."
 
Elston described the Gamecock defense as fast, physical, elite mental execution, discipline and relentless effort.
 
"All of those things put together," said Elston. "All 11 hats to the ball every play."