University of South Alabama Athletics

As A Second-Year Freshman (2021): Did not see action in a game in the fall.

As A Freshman (2020): Appeared in each of the final 10 outings of the season after taking over as the holder on field goal and extra point attempts ... Completed 6-of-9 passes for 38 yards after coming on in the fourth quarter of the annual “Battle For The Belt” in the final contest of the year against Troy.

High School Highlights: A three-star 247Sports.com prospect who also earned two stars from Rivals.com ... Sat out his senior season at Flowery Branch HS after suffering a knee injury, but started the previous two years ... Finished with 2,005 yards and 20 touchdowns passing in just eight games, missing three others due to injury, as a junior while helping the Falcons finish 8-3 after qualifying for the state 4A playoffs ... Helped lead FBHS to a 9-3 final record and victory in the first round of the state 5A playoffs his first season as a starter ... Also earned three letters in basketball for the Falcons.

Personal: Full name is Elijah Andrew Gainey ... Born Nov. 13, 2001, in Huntsville, Ala. ... Son of Mike and Jen Gainey ... Favorite movie is the “The Patriot” ... Favorite book is the Bible ... Favorite teams are the New York Giants, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia Phillies ... Favorite athletes are Cam Newton, LeBron James and Tim Tebow ... Favorite musical artist is Young Thug ... Favorite food is steak ... Favorite subject is history ... Likes to listen to music, read the Bible and spend time with friends in his free time ... Would like to become a coach in the future ... Also had a scholarship offer from Troy, and was recruited by Georgia Tech, South Carolina and Vanderbilt as well ... Is majoring in sport management and recreation studies.