Elsworth met with the football coaching staff while on a recruiting visit for wrestling, and he wanted to try playing both sports. He ultimately decided to give up his wrestling scholarship to walk-on the football team.

“A lot of the guys on the team, when they found out I had a wrestling background, told me I was crazy for turning down that scholarship and playing football,” Elsworth said. “But I wouldn’t do it any other way. I love where I’m at, and I love playing football.”

He earned his scholarship the day before MSU opened its season against Youngstown State.

Head coach Mark Dantonio brought the team to the 50-yard line at Spartan Stadium and talked about scholarships while Elsworth anxiously listened for his name to be called.

“There’s a lot of guys who have come through this program that have been walk-ons with this coaching staff,” junior defensive tackle Jerel Worthy said. “They’re always going to give the guys a chance to make some plays, so it’s up to the guy whether to not he wants to earn his scholarship.”

For his performance against the Badgers, Elsworth earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, coming as no surprise to Dantonio — who recognized him as one of the best special teams players last season. His play only has improved now that he weighs 225 pounds, up from 190 last season.

“You saw the punt block — just a great effort, third-and-two play,” Dantonio said. “He’s one of our top players on special teams in all phases. He’s on all of them.”

Against Nebraska last weekend, Elsworth saw more action when he stepped in at linebacker after junior Chris Norman was injured against Wisconsin and junior Steve Gardiner left the field during the Nebraska game.

Elsworth said he did about half the reps in the week of practice before the game — enough where he felt comfortable and confident to step in if he was needed.

“I knew what I was doing, and I knew there was a chance I’d get in,” he said. “I was able to step in and make some plays and step up for the team.

“(It’s) great to have the coaches say, ‘This guys proved himself and that he knows what to do, and we feel comfortable putting him on the field.’”

The Spartans expect Elsworth to continue making key plays for them as they finish out the regular season, starting at noon Saturday against Minnesota at Spartan Stadium. Elsworth said his personal goals for the remainder of the season are team-driven as MSU must win out to have a chance to play in the Big Ten championship game.

“Guys being able to respond like that and just being able to go out there and execute the game plan — it’s fun,” Worthy said. “You’ve got to be ready when your name is called and step up to the plate.”