Conditions were even more meager for the young defensive coach. His concentration was broken by the flushing of toilets, located right next to his desk.

Saturday proved a moment for Elko to reflect on the path that has taken him from those humble beginnings.

Elko signed a new contract Saturday, which will “enhance” his base salary and provide escalators for College Football Playoff berths for him and his assistants, according to a release from the athletic department.

“Meant a lot to see the commitment that the university had, not only with me, because it never really felt like it was going to be about me. It was never going to get stuck on what I wanted. It was the commitment to the program, to the staff, to the support staff, to the auxiliary staff, to the players, to making sure that

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