Hardin-Simmons University

Elkins is in his seventh year on the full-time staff at HSU. He is in his third season coaching wide receivers after previously tight ends. He is also the quick reaction forces (special teams) coordinator.  

HSU has one of the top special teams units in the nation under his tutelage, Last year HSU was 58-of-60 on PATs and 10-of-12 on PATs and averaged a league-best 41.4 yards per punt. 

Last season the Cowboys stood out in the kicking game as kicker Pedro Altimirano was named the ASC Special Teams player of the year and first-team All-ASC and punter Kaden Turner also earned first-team All-ASC honors. Altamirano led the nation in touchbacks. 

At wide receiver, Wes Douglas was first-team All-ASC and all three starters had over 400 yards receiving on the year. 

In 2024, the Cowboys ranked second in kickoff return yard average at almost 27 yards per return. They did not allow a blocked punt on the year and netted over 35 yards per punt. Dameon Gomes was an All-American kick returner for the second straight year. Ethan Brumgard led Division III in touchbacks last year and Grayson Bearden was first-team All-ASC as the placekicker.

Kris Sims was first-team All-ASC as a slotback, Tailon Garrett was second-team all-ASC at wide receiver and Dozie Ifeadi earned third-team All-ASC accolades. 

In 2023, the Cowboys had a special teams unit that was one of the top in the nation and produced an All-American punter in Cody Harral, an All-American kick returner in Dameon Gomes and an All-American specialist in Braden Hargrove, who blocked four kicks. The Cowboys led the nation in net punting and return for kicks for touchdowns (two punts, two kickoffs). 

He came to HSU as a quarterback in 2014 and was the development squad quarterback as a freshman and a reserve on the varsity before injuries ended his career.

He then became a student coach and then was a graduate assistant.

Elkins is a native of Schertz, Texas. He has a bachelor's degree from HSU in history with a minor in political science. He is pursuing a master's in human development. Elkins was married to Ashton in the summer of 2022 and they have a young son, Callahan.