Drue Margaret Eiot’s father, DJ Eliot, is the defensive coordinator at NC State.
As per the source, Drue Margaret Eliot, 18, died following a year-long battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with pediatric cancer in the spring of 2020.
Throughout the past five years, Drue received widespread support from the CFB community, with prayers and hopes for her recovery.
Even at Drue’s high school, events were dedicated to her, including basketball games where players wore t-shirts honoring her and rallying for her recovery.
Following Drue’s death, NC State’s football Instagram page dedicated a post to her and requested that people join the program to send prayers for Eliot’s family.
Prominent journalist Pete Thamel offered his heartfelt condolences. He wrote,
“In loving memory, Drue Margaret Eliot, 2007-2025…Please join us in praying for DJ Eliot and his family during this time of tremendous loss,” “Prayers with NC State defensive coordinator DJ Eliot. The school announces the passing of his daughter here. Just heartbreaking,”
Pete Thamel
Other close ones have also offered their heartfelt condolences. Rest in Heaven, Drue Margaret Eliot.
Drue Margaret Eliot’s Father, DJ Eliot, Missed A Game Against Virginia Tech Following Her Death
Drue Margaret Eliot was born in 2007 to her father, DJ Eliot, and her mother, Miekel Marsh.
Her father, DJ, is originally from Edmond, Oklahoma, and her mother, Miekel, is from Colorado.
DJ, born on August 14, 1976, served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the NC State Wolfpack, positions he has held since 2025.
He previously served as the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Temple University, and also held assistant coaching positions at the University of Kansas, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Kentucky, and several other institutions.
Recently, it was announced that DJ won’t be coaching the September 27, 2025, Saturday night’s game against Virginia Tech following the death of his daughter, Drue.
DJ shared a close bond with his daughter, Drue. Earlier in 2020, when she was diagnosed with cancer, DJ said,
“I don’t even know how to explain the emotions or the thoughts that go through your mind,” “It’s nothing that you ever expect to hear and you don’t really have a plan for it. So when we got the news that Drue had cancer, we were devastated, all of us. And you really become a lot closer. Our family is definitely a lot closer now than we were because we’re all going through this together.”
DJ Eliot
While Drue’s mother, Miekel, stays away from social media, she is also mourning the death of her daughter.
Close ones and relatives have sent their thoughts and prayers to Drue’s parents to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Drue grew up with her brother, Dawson, and two sisters, Page and Reace Eliot.
- DJ mentored linebacker Layton Jordan to a career-high nine sacks, which ranked second in the American Athletic Conference.
- DJ Elit led 11 Wildcars to All-SEC recognition, and in three of his four years with the school, one of his linebackers recorded over 100 tackles in a season.
- In his three seasons at Florida State, the ‘Noles went 31-10 and helped DSU tie for the national lead in sacks with 47 his first year there.
