Interview: Athletic 2018 California QB Mekhi Ellis Still Looking for Collegiate Fit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Being a skilled player in a major high school football market on a traditional powerhouse team does not always ensure collegiate recruiting success – just ask Mekhi Ellis. The Class of 2018 dual-threat helped lead Dorsey High School to a California state title runner-up finish in 2017 but is still being widely overlooked as a next level collegiate playmaker. A closer look at Ellis, he might just be the kind of athlete who can make a difference for a college football program.
For a Los Angeles City Team, the Dons had one heck of a schedule in 2017. The first three games of the season would have been a nightmare for any Division-I California squad lining up against Calabasas, Serra (Gardena), and St. John Bosco. The Dons took their lumps over the first five games of the schedule but thanks to senior leadership, the team stayed together never giving up on the season running rough over the competition over the second half of the season posting a 7-2 record before falling 28-21 to San Fernando.
Guiding a run-first offense highlighted by Charles Mincy Jr., Keeshawn Johnson, and JoJuan Collins, Ellis (6-0, 195) ended the year with 1,088 passing yards along with eight passing scores against just two interceptions in stats posted through 12 games. The Dons late run to the title game has not spurred recruiting interest for Ellis making him one of the more overlooked senior talents in the Los Angeles area as National Signing Day approaches. Ellis spent his junior season helping View Park High School (Los Angeles) to a 7-3 record lining up at quarterback, linebacker, and safety for the Knights.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the starting quarterback for the California squad in the California Classic Sports All-Star Game verses the Louisiana All-stars to get an overview on his senior season and offseason workouts.
Interview
Mekhi, the Dons had one of those odd but magical seasons with a tough non-conference schedule and then about halfway through the season everything started to click before the playoffs. What was the difference for the team from the start of the regular season to the end of it?
“We had to start bonding together. We had a lot of new guys on the roster that transferred to Dorsey. As we moved forward, we started to learn how to work with each other and we started playing harder.”
What offense did the Dons run in 2017?
“The Spread.”
With your talents, how did the Spread showcase your ability to work the offense?
“I’m a dual-threat quarterback. I can scramble out of the pocket and look downfield for my receivers. There were a lot of different ways I could run the offense to help us win.”
Before your senior year started, what were some areas of your game that you felt needed to be improved?
“Reading defenses and my footwork.”
How did you improve upon those areas of your game during the season?
“I had a great coach, Coach Bass. He helped me improve my game overall. Before each snap of the ball, I went through my pre-snap read, stayed calm, and played football.”
At this point in time, what are some of the things you feel you do well as a quarterback?
“Running the ball and throwing into tight windows. My arm strength is there, my accuracy is on point, I am good at scrambling, and I have great pocket awareness.”
Which game was your most difficult during the 2017 season?
“The San Fernando game. That was a difficult game.”
How did that game make you a better quarterback in the long run?
“Their defense was a blitzing defense, they brought a lot of pressure. That was a physical game. I learned how to handle that kind of pressure in a game.”
Which game was your best last season, and why do you consider that your best game?
I’d say the Palisades game (playoff game, won 42-28). That was in the second round of playoffs. We knew they were not going to lay down. They had a tough team, but I led the team to a victory. I threw the ball well against Palisades. I audibled well in that game too.”
What was the title game run like for you through the playoffs?
“It was tough, but I kept calm and confident throughout.”
Are you playing any other sports for Dorsey during your senior year?
“Basketball and track.”
How is the basketball season going?
“It is going well. We’ve won our last six games.”
*Interview conducted before loss on Saturday to Brentwood School.
Which track events will you run this spring?
“The 4×2, 200, 100, long jump, and the 4×1.”
Wow. That is a lot of work. Touching on recruiting, what are you looking for in an ideal next level fit?
“Academics. The most important thing is getting an education. I want to be comfortable with the environment, teachers, and staff. I want to feel like I am at home.”
If a college coach takes a last-minute run at you before National Signing Day, what type of student-athlete are they recruiting?
“A trustworthy, hardworking, and dependable student-athlete.”
Mekhi, thanks for your time today and good luck with your basketball and track season.
“Thank you.”
**Click link to see Mekhi Ellis’ senior Hudl reel
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Mekhi Ellis at the California Classic Sports All-Star Game