COLONY — Brock Ellis, a two-sport standout at Crest High School, will continue his football playing career next season at Fort Scott Community College.
Ellis signed his letter of intent Friday in front of his high school coaches and his parents, Terry and Kim Ellis.
Ellis said multiple factors led to his decision, not the least of which was having former teammate, Kyle Hammond, as a returning sophomore at FSCC next year.
“It’s nice having somebody I know there,” he said.
The signing comes less than 11 months after Ellis’ playing days were in doubt because of a serious knee injury he suffered last March at the Class 1A state basketball tournament in Hays.
Ellis missed his senior season on the gridiron as he rehabilitated his knee, but is healthy enough to play basketball this winter for the Lancers.
“It really wasn’t a hard choice for football,” he said. “I always liked football better. My knee is good now. It feels fine.”
Ellis played both offense and defense for Crest, but will suit up for the Greyhounds as a tight end.
He racked up 51 career receptions despite missing both his sophomore and senior seasons with injury. A broken leg kept him out of action in 2011.
In between he earned all-state and all-league (unanimous) honors in his junior campaign.
Ellis had 10 receiving touchdowns and 421 career receiving yards.
Ellis plans to study criminal justice in college.
“Brock put a lot of work into this,” said Brent Smith, his high school coach. “It says a lot that he’ll have the opportunity to play again while getting a degree. Kids like Brock have made this a better program.”
Crest’s Ellis signs to play football at Fort Scott
