Ellis now wide open

Hampton (Va.) Bethel defensive end Chris Ellis is getting more and more confused these days when it comes to recruiting.

"For the longest time I always thought I was open but had Virginia Tech in the back of my mind," said the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder. "Now I don't have anyone in the back of my mind. Maryland, up until this past weekend, has been winning every game and Tennessee has also looked pretty good. Now I saw Virginia destroy Maryland first-hand this past weekend so I don't know what to think."

Ellis is nursing a shoulder strain, but made the trip to Charlottesville anyhow.

"It was a great game and the coaches are really cool there," he said. "They don't pressure you or anything, they just pointed out to me where I'd play and what I could do."

Ellis is going to Virginia Tech next weekend to watch the Hokies play UVA at Lane Stadium. It's an unofficial visit, but it will be key in this battle for his services.

"There should be a bunch of recruits up there and I know Vincent Redd will be there," he said. "I met him at Virginia and they're recruiting him as a linebacker. He's a big kid."

Ellis has his official visits all set. He has Virginia Tech (Dec. 13), Maryland (Jan. 10), Virginia (Jan. 17) and Tennessee (Jan. 24).

"I'm also waiting for NC State to call me, but they haven't been in touch," he said. "If they offered me an official, I might take it. I'm wide open now, no leaders. I have a tough decision to make."