Did Ellis like College Park

Hampton (Va.) Bethel defensive end Chris Ellis started his official visit tour this weekend with a visit to Ralph Friedgen and company at Maryland. Ellis came away impressed.

"I liked it, it was very impressive," said the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder. "They play a 3-4 defense which isn't my favorite, but the position coach really broke it down and showed me how I could be used. I liked what I saw."

Ellis was hosted by linebacker William Kershaw and said that the trip opened his eyes.

"They gave me a lot to think about," he said. "On the one hand, if I'm going to play in a 3-4 defense, I got to thinking I might as well stay in Virginia and go to UVA. But after they broke things down for me, they showed me how they use their linemen different. I still like a 4-3 defense a little better, but it's about more than just football as well. I fit in well there."

Next up for Ellis is an official visit to Virginia (Jan. 17) and then a mid-week trip to Tennessee (Jan. 20). After that it's off to Virginia Tech, his one-time favorite, and then a possible trip to NC State.

"It's 50/50 about NC State," he said. "I might be able to decide before then."