Stepping up this spring, safety Keaton Ellis set for star turn

Evaluating the impact of Ji’Ayir Brown on the players around him, James Franklin made an acknowledgment last November. Yes, the fifth-year senior safety had been outstanding and was an integral piece of Penn State’s plans on defense.

But, with time dwindling on Brown’s career with the Nittany Lions, Franklin recognized the importance of what was coming next.

“When you talk about our safeties, whether it’s Jaylen Reed or K.J. Winston or Zach or Keaton Ellis, it was obvious when you watch the tape, that they all played better when Tig was on the field with them,” Franklin said. “So he was the one guy that his rep count was a little bit higher because of that. 

“Keaton Ellis is another guy that’s experienced. So when Tig wasn’t on the field, we wanted to make sure Keaton was on the field. Because, he could have a similar impact. We need Keaton to step into that role moving forward.”

Keaton Ellis spring strides

Brown is working toward his professional career, soon to hear his name called during this weekend’s NFL Draft. Back in State College, Pa., though, Ellis has lived up to the challenge this spring.

Most notably, that took shape as Ellis was named one of three team captains. Tapped alongside Olu Fashanu on the offense and Dominic DeLuca on special teams, Ellis didn’t transform his soft-spoken personality to earn the role. 

Rather, as he’d discussed with reporters leading into Penn State’s Blue-White Weekend, his role in influencing the performances and behavior of teammates fell squarely on how he chooses to conduct his business.

“My leadership style is just lead by example. Show everybody, and especially the younger players, what it means to be a part of this team, and what it takes, and your work ethic at practice,” Ellis said. “I think a step that I took is just speaking up when needed to speak up in some aspects. I’m not the most super outgoing and talkative person and don’t have a huge personality. So, that’s not my forte.

“But if it’s at the end of practice, talking to my safeties, or at the end of practice with the defense, making sure to just give it a few words, whatever needs to be said.”

Next steps

That Ellis even returned to participate in a fifth season of college football was, at one point, in doubt. Choosing whether or not to take advantage of the bonus COVID year of eligibility this offseason, Ellis picked the opportunity to stick at his position for another year.

Working under the tutelage of Anthony Poindexter, a third year at safety, having spent his first two seasons at Penn State as a corner, was something he felt could be advantageous to his prospects.

“Especially Coach Dex, just to have another year with him will mean a lot for my development,” Ellis said. “And just having not played safety enough. I made that transition two years in. I was starting to feel really comfortable back there. And I just felt like I needed another year to prove what I’m capable of at that position.”

Starting all 13 games last season alongside Brown, Ellis’ improvements this spring commanded attention throughout the program. He finished the 2022 campaign with 24 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and seven passes broken up. But, the missing ingredient – interceptions and turnovers created – came to fruition in March and April. 

Emboldened by those advancements this spring, with a chance to be the guiding force behind a safety group loaded with talent, the next steps are clear for Ellis.

“I’m playing a lot faster. I understand the defense now. So it’s a lot less thinking about what my responsibility is and just playing and going off what the offense is doing,” Ellis said. “I just feel like I’m playing a lot faster and just really, really having fun at the position.”