SLIPPERY ROCK — By no demand other than his own, the time is now for Bill Elliott.

The Knoch graduate, a redshirt junior defensive end at Slippery Rock University, is pushing himself into a starting role on SRU's defense this fall.

"I want to start. I want to play. That's the goal," Elliott said.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder saw action in 10 games last year, primarily on special teams. He was in on 10 tackles — four solos — had one quarterback sack and recovered a fumble.

As a redshirt freshman, Elliott played in nine games, had 10 tackles, five solo, and forced a fumble. He switched from linebacker to defensive end during spring workouts last year.

He played behind Tyler Boudreau in 2008. Boudreau was third on the team with 67 tackles and led SRU with 11.5 tackles for loss and seven QB sacks.

"I learned behind one of the best," Elliott said. "Now I'm ready to take advantage of it."

Elliott stayed at SRU throughout the summer, working with new weight coach Rob Hill the past few months. He's also continued to acclimate himself to defensive end.

Elliott was a three-year starter at linebacker for Knoch.

"I never knew the 3-point stance. It was really foreign to me at first," he said of switching positions in college. "Now it's like second nature to me."

Entering summer camp, Elliott was battling with Mike White for playing time at the graduated Boudreau's spot.

But Elliott is no longer battling to get on the field.

"He's on the field. That's a given," first-year Rock linebacker coach Al Washington declared. "I love how dedicated and hard-working this kid is. I was a defensive graduate assistant at North Carolina State last year and I've never been around a player who works harder.

"Bill's athletic, he's quick, has speed and is strong as an ox. He's got the total package."

Rock head coach George Mihalik agreed.

"His work ethic is unmatched," Mihalik said. "Bill is the son of a coach, so he grew up with the idea of how to become a complete football player."

Elliott's father, Ken Elliott, was a longtime offensive and defensive line coach at Knoch. His last year there was 2007.

"His father raised him right, whether he's a football coach or not," Washington said. "The hard-work mentality is there."

One of 23 Rock football players who earned PSAC Scholar-Athlete status last year, Elliott carries a 3.5 grade point average as a health and physical education major.

SRU defensive coordinator Shawn Lutz describes his defense as relentless and says Elliott fits the mold.

"He's having a great camp," Lutz said. "I fully expect Bill to be one of our impact players. He goes non-stop and just attacks the football.

"He's everything you want in a student-athlete. He's here to get an education and he respects the game. With the enthusiasm he brings on the field, he's gonna make things happen."

Elliott said he's better against the run than rushing the passer, primarily because of his linebacking days.

"I've always been able to move laterally and find the football," he said.

While sacks and tackles are on his mind, winning is on the front of it.

"If it comes down to me making a lot of tackles and sacks and the team losing, or me making no tackles and the team winning, I'll take winning every time," he said.

"We had a losing season (5-6) last year. If I can be heavily involved in that not happening again ... That's what I want."