GILROY — At 25, the road to Nate Ellis’ football scholarship has been a long one.
On Thursday his journey came to an end when the Gavilan quarterback signed his letter of intent to play for Chowan University in Murfreesboro, N.C. next season.
“It’s been such a long road that I never thought I’d be here,” Ellis said. “I didn’t anticipate getting a scholarship even though that was my main goal. It was always hard for me to view, but I got through my struggle and now I’m here signing a scholarship.”
Ellis was one of the Rams’ brightest stars this season. He was an All-Coast Conference and All-Region selection, leading the conference in passing yards and yards per game. He led not only Gavilan, but the conference and the state of California with a 70.6 completion percentage this season.
Ellis was also named the Northern California Football Association Player of the Week for his performance in Gavilan’s shootout victory over West Hills-Coalinga. He went 28 for 36 for 431 yards and five touchdowns in addition to 40 rushing yards and a touchdown.
“The way he carried himself spoke for itself which is great to see that growth,” Gavilan coach Spencer Gilford said. “At the end of that growth, this is what you’re supposed to get. This is what we always talk about. What we’re doing is preparing them for this moment. It’s always good to see everything work out the way it’s supposed to.”
Ellis signed his letter in front of family, friends and classmates all of which he’ll say goodbye to when he ships out for N.C. at the end of this term.
The Grants Pass, Ore. native will have to adjust to the East Coast, though he said the scenary of Murfreesboro reminds him a lot of home. He’ll join a new family with the Hawks, which Ellis said was part of the Chowan’s appeal.
“They have a family going on within their team and I can already see that. That’s something I had here at Gav which really interests me,” he said. “I was sold on their offense. Their offensive coordinator really sold me on it because if I can produce in that offense, I can be really successful and maybe get myself to the next level. That’s something I’m really looking to do.”
Ellis will take the lessons he’s learned at Gavilan — being humble, staying hungry and being a leader — with him as he joins his new team next season. He’s forever grateful, he said, that his coaches believed him and helped mold him into the player he is today.
“It’s very gratifying. It means so much to me and I’m very proud of myself because I didn’t actually think I’d be in this position and now I’m here,” Ellis said. “It’s just very motivating. Now I’m so motivated because I realize what kind of potential I have.”
