Countdown to 2020 IUFB Kickoff: 10 Days (David Ellis)

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Countdown to 2020 IUFB is heading into single digits, but before that happens we take a look at one of the most exciting young playmakers the Hoosiers have in #10 David Ellis. The Hoosiers are just 10 days after from their season opener against the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Name – David Ellis

Position – RB/KR (Sophomore)

Hometown –Clinton Township, Michigan (Chippewa Valley)

Height – 6’0”

Weight – 213

Ellis is listed as a running back and kick returner, but Hoosier fans should expect to see him all over the field on offense in 2020.

“"David (Ellis) is a really explosive athlete," Indiana running backs coach Mike Hart says. "He played receiver last year, but we recruited him originally as a running back. He came here to play running back. He played in the slot last year and now we are going to let him play some tailback. You can just utilize him in multiple ways. We are really excited about him. He is special. He can catch; he can run; he is six-foot, 210 pounds, so he is a big receiver and is a solid-sized running back. We are excited about him and looking forward to using him."

Ellis averaged 20.7 yards per kickoff last season while racking up 579 kick return yards. He played in all 13 games for the Hoosiers and added 53 rushing yards, 173 receiving yards and nine punt return yards. He added a touchdown and threw for a two-point conversion as well.

The Hoosiers hope that Ellis can bring more explosiveness in a kick return game that has laid dormant for nearly a decade. IU hasn’t returned a kickoff for a touchdown since Tevin Coleman took one to the house against Northwestern in 2012. Ellis will also provide the Hoosiers with a running back who can burn past defenses and lengthen the lineup.

Ellis can also be a factor in the passing game and gives offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan someone he can plug almost anywhere and defenses will have to account for him.