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THE SCOOP: Independence DB 'blessed to be in current position'
Apr 14, 2020
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.
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Ellis has played football since the third grade and saw himself playing college ball when he as in Little League.
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"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."
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Independence made school history, reaching the Regional Semis.
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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.
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"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."
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For now, Ellis is taking time to get in shape for the 2020 season.
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"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."
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In a plot twist, Ellis is a die-hard Houston Texan fan – deep in the heart of Cowboy country.
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"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."
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Var'Keyes Gumms reminds some of his former teammate Malcolm Epps of Dekaney
Photo from @varkeyesg
THE SCOOP: Can't take the New Orleans out of Dekaney's Gumms
Apr 09, 2020
Var'Keyes Gumms is New Orleans born and bred.
The West Bank-native happened to land at Dekaney High School a few years back, who is led by Baton Rouge-native coach Anthony Williams.
"There was a lot going on in New Orleans and moving to Houston was just a better opportunity," Gumms said. "Playing for Coach Williams reminds me of home. He's a Louisiana guy who just understands."
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The 6-foot-5 tight end was slow to arrive to the football field.
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"I wasn't playing football in the eighth grade. I was all basketball," he said. "When I got here, I had coaches telling me I needed to play football. I started and had success. The offers started coming in, so I guess it was a good decision."
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He's picked up offers from the likes of LSU, Louisiana Tech, Houston, Tulsa and Texas.
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While his brother Levar plays receiver at Northwestern (La) State, Gumms reminds recruiters of another Dekaney athlete – Malcolm Epps. Epps plays for the Texas Longhorns and was a dual-sport star in football and basketball.
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"I remember Malcolm, but I was just a freshman," he said. "I saw him play and was really impressed. I can see that basketball helped him too. It keeps me in shape and I go up for rebounds like a tight end catching a fade route. It helps my footwork also."
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While Gumms is a Texan now, you can't take the New Orleans out of the kid.
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"I cook a lot," he said. "It just takes my mind off of things. When I'm watching football, I really like (New Orleans Saint) Taysom Hill. He's so versatile and that's how I like to be. I feel like I can play defensive end, linebacker, receiver, fullback or tight end if I need to."
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Gumms, an avid Dr. Doolittle fan, considers himself a good leader and a great listener. He wants to own his own business or give back and be a high school coach.
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His driving force for success in sports?
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"Really, my dad," he said. "He reminds me that he couldn't play sports because he was always in trouble. I don't take this opportunity that I have for granted."
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