Kareem Ellis

Height:
6-6
Weight:
295
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Jacksonville, NC
High School:
Southwest Onslow

Ready for a breakout season. Has the potential to be a professional football player. Had an excellent spring. Has a chance to be an All-ACC performer this year. Has great size and is agile enough to play left tackle. Has worked diligently in the offseason and is in the best shape of his career. One of the top leaders among the offensive linemen.

1998 • Junior Season

Made nine starts, including the Las Vegas Bowl. Started against Georgia Tech at left tackle. Started the final seven regular-season games and the bowl game at right tackle. Played 667 snaps in the regular season and 50 against San Diego State. Carolina was 6-2 in games he started at right tackle. Team rushed for 170 yards or more in four of those eight games and scored two or more rushing touchdowns in four games.

1997• Sophomore Season

Development was slowed in the preseason by a back injury he suffered in the summer. Played in five games in the regular season plus the Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech. Played against Maryland, Wake Forest, NC State, Georgia Tech and Duke. Played a season-high 18 snaps in the Gator Bowl.

1996• Freshman Season

Played in five games at offensive tackle. Saw action against Clemson, Wake Forest, Maryland, Houston and NC State, a total of 52 snaps. Was red-shirted in 1995.

S.W. Onslow High School

Started on both the offensive and defensive lines as a senior. As senior, had 70 tackles and six sacks, caused four fumbles and recovered two. Twice an all-conference pick. Coached by Phil Padgett. Won the state 1-A shot put championship as both a junior and senior. Set a state record in that event each year, including a toss of 51-10 as a senior.

Personal

Born Kareem Ray Ellis on April 14, 1977. Majoring in industrial relations. Favorite pro teams are the Chicago Bulls, Denver Broncos. Favorite athletes are Michael Jordan, John Elway, Terrell Davis, Scottie Pippen and Tony Dorsett. Greatest athletic achievement was winning the state shot put championship in high school. The people who have influenced him the most are God, his parents, his 4-year-old daughter and the strength coaches. Post-college ambition is to play professional football and own his own business. Says the word that best describes him is "positive." Hobbies are playing with his little girl, listening to music and working with computers.