NFF National Scholar-Athletes

Brooks Ellis

  • School
    Arkansas
  • Induction
    2016

University of Arkansas – LB – Pre-Professional Exercise Science – 3.82 GPA
Head Coach: Bret Bielema | AD: Jeff Long | FAR: Sharon Hunt

RECIPIENT OF THE COACH BOBBY BOWDEN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD, ENDOWED BY PHIL KNIGHT AND NIKE

The undisputed leader of Arkansas’ defense, Brooks Ellis maintains an impressive 3.82 GPA in the classroom. The two-year team captain is the Razorbacks’ fourth NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

A 2015 Second Team Academic All-American and two-time First Team Academic All-District selection, Ellis is majoring in pre-professional exercise science with a minor in biology. The three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and Fayetteville, Ark., native plans to attend medical school. Ellis also traveled to Belize with the biology department to study the culture.

A three-year player, Ellis led the Razorbacks to consecutive bowl wins in the 2014 Texas Bowl and 2015 Liberty Bowl. He led the team and ranked ninth in the SEC with 102 tackles as a junior, and he finished second on the team with eight tackles for loss. Ellis currently sits atop the team with 57 tackles this season, placing him seventh in the SEC. For his career, he boasts 264 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown against TCU earlier this year.

Off the field, Ellis is a semifinalist for the 2016 Wuerffel Trophy and has visited the Houston Children’s Shelter, the Wrightsville Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Leverett Elementary School and Lifestyles group for people with disabilities. He gave a six-year-old boy a tour of Arkansas’ football facilities for Washington Regional Hospice, and he participated in “Book Hogs Read to Win” and “Book Hogs Pizza Party” with local elementary school students. He volunteered with Mayflower Tornado Relief, and he assisted Razorback coach Bret Bielema at the Susan G. Komen Ozark Affiliate “Football 101” benefit. A member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, he participated in the “Be with Becca” fundraiser; the Boys & Girls Club food giveaway; and on-campus trash pickup.

Ellis was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars for one season for retiring from football. He is now a self-employed health and wellness coach in Fayetteville, Arkansas.