Ellis & Dixon join four-star ranks
Two future Nittany Lions earned well-deserved recognition Wednesday, as cornerback Keaton Ellis and linebacker Lance Dixon were both given a four-star rating following the latest changes in the Class of 2019 rankings.
The move now gives Penn State's class, which currently holds 17 verbal commitments, 12 players that hold at least a four-star rating. The 2019 class is headlined by five-star running back Devyn Ford, who holds a 6.1 rating in the Rivals ranking system. Offensive lineman Caedan Wallace now holds a 6.0 rating following his latest jump in the Rivals250, while three additional recruits, wide receiver John Dunmore, linebacker Brandon Smith and offensive lineman Saleem Wormley hold 5.9 rating. The remaining seven four-star prospects, which includes Ellis and Dixon, hold a 5.8 rating. One player did drop down from four-star to three-stars: defensive tackle Hakeem Beamon.
Ellis is coming off an excellent senior season, leading State College to a 12-2 record. The Little Lions made it to the PIAA 6A quarterfinals before being knocked out by Pine-Richland Nov. 24. Ellis produced career-highs in nearly every statistic. On offense, he totaled 888 yards receiving while adding another 263 yards rushing, totaling 17 touchdowns. On defense, he had 51 tackles, including two for a loss of yards. He added nine pass deflections, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a score. He also made an impact in the return game, averaging 31.2 yards on kick returns and scoring one touchdown.
Dixon also had a major impact on his team, leading West Bloomfield to a 9-3 record. The Lakers advanced to the MHSAA Division I quarterfinals before being knocked out by Belleville Nov. 9.Dixon finished the season with 122 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also added roughly 550 yards of total offense, scoring six touchdowns.
Both Ellis and Dixon will return to University Park this upcoming weekend. Ellis will be using his official visit, while Dixon will be taking an unofficial visit. He previously used his official to Penn State back in June. Both will also enroll at Penn State in January.