By W.A. Myatt
©2013 Bonesville.net
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Adhem Elsawi has started at offensive guard and tackle for East Carolina since transferring from Campbell where he started nine games in 2009 for Camels coach Dale Steele. Steele is now director of football administration at ECU.

A bespectacled behemoth at 6 feet, 5 inches, 308 pounds, Elsawi opened the 2013 season at right tackle, part of an experienced offensive front that includes fellow seniors Will Simmons and Jordan Davis.

Elsawi owns a program best at his position with a 670-pound squat. He bench presses 380 pounds. Elsawi shared the program's Jerry T. Brooks Academic Award with Matt Milner in 2012. He enjoys chess, reading and basketball.

An honorable mention All Conference USA selection in 2012, the Saratoga Springs, NY, product aspires to enroll in medical school when his football career is completed. He has already received a degree in biology and is pursuing a second undergraduate degree in psychology.

Adhem took a few minutes to respond to 15 questions from Bonesville.

Q: Favorite restaurant in Greenville?

A: That's tough. I have quite a few, but I'd have to say Cheddar's.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Q: What's the best movie you've seen with the team the night before a game?

A: I'm going to stick with movies we've seen this year and go with 2 Guns.

Q: Who's the best player you've ever had to block?

A: I don't really have an answer for that. I focus on what I need to do, my technique and assignments; I don't really worry about who I'm up against.

Q: What adjustments, if any, will the offensive line make in game planning for UNC?

A: We won't really make any adjustments. We have to work on our execution and work to correct mistakes.

Q: What would be your ideal uniform combination for senior day against UAB?

A: I'm not really that good with matching colors, but I really like our black uniforms.

Q: What's the most challenging class you've taken at ECU?

A: That's tough because I'm pretty good with academics, but I'd have to go with organic chemistry.

Q: Do you have any rituals or superstitions you do before games?

A: I wouldn't say that I have any rituals, but I do draw the Eye of Horus (an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection) on my forearms before every game.

Q: Did you pick your number or was it assigned to you?

A: I kind of lucked into it. I wanted 67 but that wasn't available, so I was assigned 57, which is pretty close.

Q: How different is football at ECU, as compared to Campbell?

A: Night and Day. The game day atmosphere, the level of competition, everything.

Q: How much has your strength improved under strength and conditioning coach Jeff Connors?

A: That's another night and day situation. My strength has improved tremendously since working with coach C. I really think he's the best in the nation at what he does.

Q: What do you do when you aren't playing football?

A: Study. I also try to play video games online, but that's just for fun.

Q: If you were recruiting a star recruit to play football at East Carolina, what would you sell them on?

A: (Jokingly) I wouldn't sell them anything, that's illegal. I would emphasize our family atmosphere here. We're truly one big family, and I think that's something people really want to be a part of.

Q: What was your reaction the first time you walked out of the tunnel before a game in Dowdy-Ficklen stadium?

A: It was pure energy. I'd always wanted to play big-time ball, even when I was at Campbell, so it was really like a dream becoming reality.

Q: Did quarterback Shane Carden take the offensive line out to eat after the end of the season last year?

A: Yeah, he did. He actually takes us out quite a bit — especially after a tough day of workouts or practice, we'll all go out to eat with him. He takes pretty good care of us.