2018 Early Signing Period Signee Profile: WR David Ellis

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

David Ellis, 6’0”, 190 pounds, Chippewa Valley, MI (Clinton Township, MI), WR, 247Sports Composite Ranking: 3-star (86.07) 

Wide receiver is a position that is in the midst of a transition. Luke Timian and J-Shun Harris are gone. Donavan Hale and Nick Westbrook are now seniors and will depart after the 2019 campaign. The Hoosiers desperately needed to bring in a few skilled wide receivers to make sure the offense wasn’t lacking for playmakers or pass catchers. They may have found a future star to plug into the slot position as the speedy David Ellis pledged to the Hoosiers right before seeing his recruitment blow up. A rival high school coach that had to scheme against Ellis and his Chippewa Valley High School squad was quoted as saying that he was “beside myself that MSU and Michigan didn’t offer this kid.” Their lack of interest early enough might just turn into tremendous fortune for the Indiana Hoosiers.

At 6’0”, Ellis is a prototypical size for a slot receiver. He also the explosiveness and speed you look for in a slot guy and he might end up being IU’s kick or punt returner. 247sports.com’s Allen Trieu wrote in November: “Ellis is without a doubt, one of the best players in the state of Michigan and the Hoosiers got a steal there.” Ellis committed to Central Michigan prior to his senior season, visited Indiana in June and committed to the Hoosiers on October 9. He is very quick and very good with the ball in his hands and despite having the potential to play cornerback, IU plans on giving him to the offense and having him play as a slot receiver full-time. It is likely he will have a chance to be Whop Philyor’s primary backup in 2019 and I think there is a chance he will be given an opportunity to jumpstart Indiana’s moribund kick return game, something the Hoosiers definitely could use.

WATCH: David Ellis Highlights