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Azusa Pacific University Athletics

The Online Home of the Azusa Pacific Cougars

2026 Football Roster

72 Elijah Gavia

  • Position Defensive Line
  • Height 6-1
  • Weight 332
  • Class Freshman
  • Major Business Management
  • Hometown San Gabriel, Calif.
  • High School Rio Hondo Prep

Biography

THIS YEAR: The highly-decorated 2-time All-CIF honoree Elijah Gavia begins his first season at Azusa Pacific after putting together an outstanding 4-year varsity career at powerhouse Rio Hondo Prep in Arcadia, Calif.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 4 seasons of varsity football for Head Coach Mark Carson at Rio Hondo Prep in Arcadia, Calif. … Competed for the Kares in the Golden Coast League and played across the line at defensive tackle, nose guard, left tackle, right tackle and center … Served as team captain as a senior … Helped Rio Hondo Prep go 49-7 over his 4 varsity seasons, including a 15-1 senior season in 2025 … Was a member of the Kares CIF Southern Section Division 9 championship team as a 2023 sophomore, the Division 7 championship team as a 2024 junior and the Division 5 championship as a 2025 senior … Also helped Rio Hondo Prep reach the state finals in 2024 and 2025 after reaching the state regional final in 2023 … As a senior, was named San Gabriel Valley Tribune Player of the Year, Pasadena Star-News Player of the Year, CIF Division 5 Defensive MVP and Golden Coast League Lineman MVP … Also earned All-CIF and All-Area recognition as a sophomore and junior, and was named Golden Coast League Lineman MVP as a junior … Over his high school career, totaled 101 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 touchdowns … Also contributed offensively with 93 receptions for 1,374 yards and 20 touchdowns, while adding 489 passing yards and 7 passing touchdowns.

PERSONAL: Born May 21, 2008, in San Gabriel, Calif. … Parents are Carlos Gavia and Renee Sanchez … Has 3 brothers (Carlos, Raymond, Isaiah) and 3 sisters (Autumn, Vanessa, Isabella) … Majoring in Business Management … Plans to continue playing football after graduation … Enjoys video games, golf and pickleball.

Statistics

Season Statistics

Season Statistics

No statistics available for this season.

Career Statistics

There are no statistics available for this player.