Griffin Ellis

By Lee Brecheen

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School: Jesuit High School, Class of 2025

Position: Defensive Tackle

Height: 6'2

Weight: 268

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I watched Griffin Ellis from Jesuit High School in New Orleans play full games in both 2022 and 2023. I was impressed with his toughness, effort, and quick feet for a big player on the defensive line. It’s hard to find athletes who are 6'2" and 268 pounds with such good footwork, determination, and a high football IQ. I believe, with the right program, he could play defensive tackle, defensive end, or even offensive guard in college. He’s the type of player you sign, develop in your program, and within a year, he’s starting or rotating.

In 2024, Griffin's stats were among the best for a defensive tackle in Class 5A. He recorded 67 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Griffin Ellis is truly a blessing to have at the forefront of our position group. He is a leader of leaders and a young man with a commanding presence. Beneath his 6'2", 268-pound frame lies a mature, high-character individual who is all-in, all the time. Griffin loves the game of football, embraces the grind, and takes strength and nutrition as seriously as any elite athlete.

Every week, he eagerly commits to the game plan and gives 100% to ensure team success. Griffin does not enjoy coming off the field—whether in practice or in games. I often smile at the back-and-forth with him when subbing him out for others to get reps. There he is, trotting off the field in his shredded practice jersey, held together by just a few stitches. He’s easy to coach, highly motivated, and expects to be pushed. Griffin also thinks for himself, refining details as he takes coaching to heart.

Despite having four different positional coaches in four years, Griffin has developed remarkably well. This summer, he became a tremendous asset to our coaching staff, acting as a mentor to both myself and Assistant Defensive Line Coach Chris Baxter. It was like having a third coach on the field—whatever Griffin said or did, others followed. He reminds me of another standout lineman I coached at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Connor Finucane (now 6'3", 315 pounds), who is excelling at Army with over 50 starts on the offensive line.

Griffin is also a heavyweight wrestler and a leader at the nose guard position. He has an intense demeanor and is deeply committed to preparation. This season, he made noticeable improvements in his hip flexibility, pad level, handling double teams, slanting, and rushing the passer. Griffin played crucial roles this year for the Blue Jays, often lining up as a 5-tech defensive end in Jesuit’s 17-10 win over John Curtis High School. His versatility allows him to play across even and odd fronts, from nose guard to 5-tech, and everything in between.

Athletic for a nose tackle, Griffin excels in both run-stopping and pass-rushing situations. He has an advanced understanding of his role within the front seven and a keen sense for recognizing screens and adjusting rush lanes. Defensive Line Coach Austin Bellamy of Jesuit High School shared, “Griffin has the potential to achieve great success at the next level as an interior defensive lineman or even as an interior offensive lineman if a program chooses to develop him there. His ability to adapt and improve sets him apart.”

A simple word that encapsulates being a Blue Jay is Magis. Jesuit High School teaches us to give more than what is normally expected of us. We also share a brotherhood that spans decades and supports one another, said Griffin Ellis.

“I want to acknowledge my defensive line coaches—Coach Baglio and Coach Hatty—who have helped me develop my skill set throughout the years. Each of them taught me something unique, enabling me to become a better football player. I started playing park ball when I was 6 years old, and I will continue competing this winter as the heavyweight wrestler for Jesuit High School.

I currently have two offers: one from Nicholls State and another from the NAIA program Culver-Stockton College. My favorite football game each year is against Brother Martin High School. It’s a game I enjoy most because of the rivalry and the fun of playing in it. This year, we defeated them in the regular season for the first time since I’ve been at Jesuit. It was special to achieve something that hadn’t been done in a while during my senior year.

Ultimately, I hope to attend the best school for continuing my football career or gaining an education that will set me up for life,” said Griffin Ellis.

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