Frisco Independence safety Caleb Ellis is starting to heat up around recruiting circles. He's picked up a dozen offers in the last month from schools across the country.
"I'm not really surprised because I've always believed in my abilities," he said. "But I'm blessed to be in this position.
"I think what coaches like about me is that I'm versatile," he said. "I can play high-position free safety or come down and play strong safety. I pride myself on not giving up explosive plays whether it be long passes or runs when I come up to support."
At 6-foot, 180-pounds, Ellis combines size and athletic ability. The second-team, all-district DB is also an accomplished jumper on the track team.
Ellis has played football since the third grade and saw himself playing college ball when he as in Little League.
"I was always pretty good," he said. "I played offense to start out and then switched over to defense in high school. I started three games as a sophomore and really stepped up as a junior. We had a great season."
Independence made school history, reaching the Regional Semis.
Before the virus hit, Ellis had an official visit set up to SMU and an unofficial to the University of Houston. He also has offers from Boise State, Boston College, Iowa State, Kansas, ULL, Memphis, Tulane and Washington State, just to name a few.
"My first thing is academics," he said. "I want to find a school that will set me up for after football. I also want to make sure I'm a fit with what they need on defense. I want to make sure I can picture myself on campus, that's why it is so important to be able to take some visits."
For now, Ellis is taking time to get in shape for the 2020 season.
"I'm working on small mechanics," he said. "Footwork, explosiveness and catching the football is what I'm focusing on. I'm modifying my workout to do upper body stuff at home."
In a plot twist, Ellis is a die-hard Houston Texan fan – deep in the heart of Cowboy country.
"I was born in Houston," he laughed. "My favorite player is Deshaun Watson. He can do anything with the ball in his hands. I know it's weird, but I claim Houston as my hometown."