Football

Miami Dolphins sign Shaw's Louis Ellis as Free Agent

Raleigh, NC – (May 1, 2009) Louis Ellis (SR/6’3/312/Jackson, MS) a member of the 2008 and 2007 CIAA Champions of Shaw University, has signed a multi-year contract with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He will wear jersey #93; he wore #92 while at Shaw. Dominating for two seasons in the Conference under Head Coach Darrell Asberry, he said, “This is truly a dream come true for me. My family is so happy and I am thankful to God for this lifetime opportunity.”

He signed on as a nose tackle; a position that the Dolphins organization has a great need for. Because the Dolphins didn’t take the opportunity to draft any defensive positions, Ellis is the only nose tackle added to the roster. Regarding this opportunity for his premier player Asberry stated, “My coaching staff and the team are extremely proud of Louis. If Bill Parcels believes that he is qualified to play with the Miami Dolphins, one of the higher brass teams in the NFL, then that speaks volumes to the quality and caliber of player that he is. Because he was signed to a multi-year deal, it suggests that they are trying to tie him up. We are excited and look forward to seeing Big Lou wear #93 versus his irreplaceable #92 on Sunday evenings on national television.”

Ellis received the University’s highest athletic honor for student-athletes as he received the 2009 Athletic Director’s Award as the Male Student-Athlete of the Year; chosen by a compilation of votes by the coaching staff. He is the 2008 and 2007 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year for. He is a 2008 SBN/Black College All-American and D2Football.com All-American who ranks number one in the CIAA conference in tackles for loss (17 solo/8 assisted). Ellis comes in second in the conference for sacks with 8 (.80avg/g) and is also credited with 60 total tackles. He was chosen as a member of the 2008 Daktronics Division II All-Super Region 1 Football Team; also named to the First Team Defense and tied as the top vote recipient for defensive linemen. He was selected to the 2008 Boxtorow.com/BASN All-American Team. He was chosen as a nominee for the HSRN 2008 Player of the Year Award and the 2008 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award.

Ellis received the 100% Wrong Club 2009 and 2008 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. He was chosen to receive the Pigskin Club of Washington James Guy “Pete” Tyson 2009 CIAA Player of the Year Award for the second straight year.