Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 27 Days (Morgan Ellison)

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Countdown to Kickoff: #27 – Morgan Ellison

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 228 pounds

Hometown: Pickerington, OH (Pickerington Central)

Class/Position: Sophomore/Running Back

The Hoosier Huddle countdown marches on with day number 27 until the Hoosiers hit the field at Florida International. Today we take a look at sophomore running back Morgan Ellison from Pickerington, Ohio.

Ellison was a big get for IU on signing day in 2017 after an outstanding senior season which saw him put up 1,841 yards and 29 touchdowns after missing his sophomore and junior seasons with broken legs. There was a buzz through Hoosier Nation when Ellison signed his letter of intent in February of 2017.

Ellison had a really solid freshman season as he paced the Hoosiers with 704 yards on 143 rushing attempts, which was good for a solid 4.9 yard per carry average. He also scored six touchdowns. Ellison played in 11 of the 12 Hoosier games last season and earned the start in eight games. His efforts last season earned him Freshman All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and IU’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year Award.

Ellison has a chance to build up his solid foundation as a sophomore but must improve in several areas. He has to prove he can stay healthy, although he played in 11 games he only carried the ball 143 times and missed most of the spring with a lower body injury. Secondly, Ellison has to perform better against Power Five opponents. The only times he reached the 100-yard mark was against Georgia Southern and Rutgers. In the four games against Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin and Purdue, Ellison only carried the ball 31 times for 110 yards.

Ellison should have an improved offensive line in front of him and an offseason with the new strength staff is sure to improve his strength and durability. He will also have a lot of talent in the backfield with him, so he should be able to stay fresh down the stretch. If Ellison can build upon last season and improve in those areas, he should be able to soar past that 1,000-yard mark in 2018.

NOTE: Morgan Ellison has changed his number to 4 for the 2018 season.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!