It happens often to Elijah Qualls. He might be walking around campus when someone will confuse him for his predecessor on the interior of Washington’s defensive line.
Even while out of the country last month for spring break, he was mistaken for Danny Shelton. “Hey Shelton — first-round pick!” someone yelled.
“I was like, dude, even in Mexico?” Qualls said with a laugh.
The confusion is justifiable, based on their 300-plus pound physique and long, frizzy hair. But Qualls, first in line to replace his All-American mentor at defensive tackle, has made it clear he’s not interested in being “the next” anyone.