Hampton's Ellis Selected in NFL Draft Third-Round

Ellis a Jet

Hampton University defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis was taken in the third round of Friday's NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Ellis, 6-foot-5 and 346 pounds, was the 30th pick of the third round and the 94th pick overall.

"God is good," Ellis said from his home in Florida on Friday night. "I feel blessed and highly favored."

Ellis is the first Pirate to be drafted since Kendall Langford was selected in the third round by the Miami Dolphins in 2008. Langford, a defensive end, was the 66th overall selection that season. Ellis had 94 tackles and eight sacks in his senior season at HU. Earlier this week, he said he had some things to work on, like his footwork, to succeed in the NFL, but was looking forward to getting the chance.

Hampton NT Kenrick Ellis has lots of talent.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum made a cameo appearance as themselves Friday night on a taped episode of "CSI: NY." Turns out the New York Jets have been conducting their own crime-scene investigation. Kenrick Ellis represents a big risk for Rex Ryan and the Jets.

About 30 minutes after the TV show aired on CBS, the Jets used their third-round draft pick on massive nose tackle Kenrick Ellis, who is facing up to 20 years in prison on a felony assault charge. Ellis, who allegedly broke the jaw and nose of a man last April in an altercation on the Hampton (Va.) University campus, is scheduled to stand trial on July 12, according to an April 27 story in the Daily Press of Newport News, Va.

Most players are worried about a lockout keeping them from training camp. Ellis could be doomed by a lock-in.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

VISIT: HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HAMPTONPIRATES

Hampton's defensive tackle in demand

Massive Hampton defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis worked out for the New England Patriots today (March 25, 2011), according to his agent, Howard Shatsky.

Ellis is also is drawing serious interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation. The 6-foot-5, 346-pounder has drawn second-round grades from several draft analysts.

Per a source, Ellis interviewed well at the NFL scouting combine and was accountable for past transgressions that got him dismissed from South Carolina (reportedly failed drug tests) before transferring to Hampton and being suspended for one game.

"We like the kid," an NFL source said. "We were impressed with him." Ellis addressed the off-field problems at the NFL scouting combine during an interview with a crowd of media.


Videographer:ckparrothead; DT Kenrick Ellis at the 2011 NFLPA All Star Game

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.