Keaton Ellis makes his case for NFL opportunity
Keaton Ellis entered into his deep and lasting relationship with the Penn State football program six-and-a-half years ago. Pledging his commitment to the Nittany Lions on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, following the program’s 33-14 win over Pitt at Beaver Stadium, Ellis became the first verbal for the Class of 2019 in the process.
Just three months after earning his offer from the Nittany Lions that summer, the hometown prospect knew where he wanted to spend his coming years.
Now, he’s ready to see what’s next for him.
“I’ve been waiting, said Ellis. “I’m excited, I’m ready to spread my wings a little bit, I’m ready to settle down somewhere different and start my new life and journey; the next chapter in this book. So I’m excited about it, looking forward to it. It’s about time.”
Keaton Ellis makes Penn State mark
Wrapping the pre-draft workout process on Friday at Penn State’s Pro Day, Ellis left a positive impression in his last Holuba Hall workout as a Nittany Lion.
Likely knocked for his size, officially measuring 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Ellis put up outstanding testing numbers. He marked a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump with clocked times of 4.35 in the shuttle and 4.43 in the 40.
Proceeding with most NFL franchises looking at him as a safety and special teams performer, Ellis pointed toward his record as a Nittany Lion to demonstrate what he’ll bring to the table at the next level.
“I’m a versatile player. I work hard. And I’ll do anything that it takes to help the team win,” he said. “I played all special teams. I played three positions on defense. Whatever you need from me, I’ll do it and I’ll do it 100 percent.
“I’m gonna come in with a great attitude. I always say I’m a great locker room guy. I think I’m friendly and others would attest to that. But I’m just really looking forward to an opportunity and tell them how thankful I am for their interest.”
Next steps
Ultimately playing in 56 games over five seasons with the Nittany Lions, Ellis accumulated 89 tackles, three tackles for a loss with a pair of interceptions. He also finished with four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 14 passes defended.
With a lengthy career now poised to move onto its next chapter, Ellis is focused solely on carrying through the experiences and lessons gained through his time at Penn State.
“Everybody’s path is different. Everybody has a different journey. Nobody’s the same. I try not to look at others and emulate others; I’m myself,” he said. “I know what I have to do every day to work hard, and I know what I have to do today. And I did the work and that’s what it comes down to.”
