Dunhams Ellis lands first Big Ten offer

When it comes to versatility, there are few players in Louisiana more versatile than The Dunham School standout Collin Ellis. His latest scholarship offers – from Northwestern University in Chicago and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches – demonstrate just how broad his appeal is.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Ellis received all four of his offers in the last two weeks. The first came from Southeastern Louisiana on May 14, then Tulane followed by Northwestern on Wednesday and Northwestern State on Thursday.

SLU is recruiting Ellis as an athlete who could play slot receiver or possibly running back, positions he excelled in on his junior highlight video. Northwestern of Chicago likes him at weakside linebacker. Tulane also likes him at linebacker.

"(Northwestern's coaches) want me to be somebody they can get out there and play the wide side of the field," Ellis said. "I'm quite excited. It would be like returning to my roots because as a sophomore I played primarily outside linebacker."

Ellis has played linebacker, free safety and strong safety on defense during his high school career and has played tight end, running back and receiver on offense. He had six interceptions last season on defense and several offensive touchdowns.

"What is so attractive about Collin is he can do a variety of things very well," said Dunham head coach Joey Thibodeaux. "Coaches come to me and ask 'which side of the ball should he play on' and I say 'I don't know.' I know Utah likes him at running back. A lot of coaches have come by and targeted him for all types of positions."

Not since Todd Kinchen in the late 1980s has a Dunham School player drawn a Big Ten scholarship offer, said Thibodeaux, who has been at the school 26 years, the last 18 as head coach.

With the Tigers planning to open up their offense more next season, Ellis could see his offensive production spike and balanced between rushing and receiving. He is set to play primarily outside linebacker on defense.

Ellis will be hitting the camp circuit soon, starting with Oklahoma State the first week of June. The Cowboys are high on his list, along with Ole Miss, where he will camp after OSU. Ellis would also like to visit Northwestern, camp at Colorado, another favorite of his, as well as LSU. He'll also squeeze and ACT test and a trip to one of Tulane's satellite camps in there.