Justice Ellison, RB, Indiana
Size:
Height: 5’10” | Weight: 210 lbs
Accomplishments:
Doak Walker Award Watch List (2022) • Third Team All-ACC (2022)
“Justice Ellison is a patient and quick-footed running back who thrives on tempo running between the tackles as a change-of-pace/spell back.”
Strengths:
Lateral agility/quickness
Gap scheme fit
NFL frame
Concerns:
Vision on zone concepts
Receiving production
Limited upside
Film Analysis:
Justice Ellison offers a dense, sturdy frame for running between the tackles. He runs with a good tempo and pace allowing blocks to set up before he presses upfield. That patience to follow his blocks is key to working his way into daylight. He will accelerate and decelerate depending on the positioning and leverage of the nearby defenders.
His vision is good on gap/power scheme running concepts. Ellison has foot quickness to bounce between gaps and hit an open lane if the designated lane is closed. His short-area quickness and burst allow him to enter the second and third levels of the defense without resistance. With his low center of gravity, bringing Ellison down on first contact is difficult. He lowers the shoulder often to fall/lean forward to finish runs.
On zone concepts, Ellison is hesitant and has choppy footwork, leading to being caught in the backfield by the defensive pursuit. His processing is slower when reading the outside leverage to find lanes to cut upfield. His limited route tree negatively affects his pass-catching value at this moment. He catches the ball well enough with his hands but is given opportunities to produce in that department. In pass pro, Ellison is strong, sturdy, and reliable. He tends to absorb contact more than initiating/striking.
At best, Ellison projects as a second or third running back option in a stable. He possesses an NFL skillset and capability to produce if called upon. His best fit is in a downhill gap/power scheme where his traits shine.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Georgia Tech (2023), Pittsburgh (2023), Notre Dame (2023)
