Indiana Football: 3 breakout candidates during spring practice

By Alec Lasley | Feb 28, 2020

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Indiana Hoosiers helmets are warmed on the sidelines before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium on November 16, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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David Ellis, Indiana football. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. David Ellis

Whop Philyor is returning for his senior season and will draw a lot of attention from the national media as well as from opposing defenses. Add in Ty Fryfogle and incoming freshman Rashawn Williams and the wide receivers for the Hoosiers are going to be excellent once again.

One name that made a big impact in 2019 but can have an even bigger one in 2020 is David Ellis. The rising sophomore was mainly used on kick returns as he returned 28 kicks for 579 yards which was 27th nationally but only caught 16 passes on the year.

What makes him so primed for a breakout is his game against Penn State this season. When Philyor went down with a concussion, Ellis stepped right in and had a great game, catching seven passes for 85 yards. In total, Ellis had 11 of his 16 catches in the final three weeks of the regular season.

With his versatility and ability to play all around the field, the Hoosiers will look to utilize that skillset in many different ways.

With openings at wideout, look for Ellis to have a big spring and take that into the season.

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