2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ellis Merriweather, RB, University of Massachusetts

• Name: Ellis Merriweather
• Position: RB
• College: University of Massachusetts
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Twitter: @ellism_2
• Instagram: @ellis.2

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

When I was about 5 my dad had this VHS tape of the greatest running backs of all time, I would watch it just about everyday and study all the different running backs and their styles of running.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Being the most versatile/complete running back the game has seen. Working on my game and adding things to my toolbox to build on my natural God given abilities. Also learning from vets and coaches who have been in the game and have so much to teach me.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Walter Payton! For obvious reasons learning about him and his mindset, but more so because of his famous hill workouts I just want one chance to show him I could keep up with him.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I would have to say the road trips, being with your teammates in new environments and being able to explore them together, also creating a opportunity for my family to be able to travel and experience new environments for themselves as well just to be able to watch me play and see my face for a couple minutes after the game.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I honestly couldn’t choose one I’m the only one in my family who has had the opportunity to play ball at the next level, everybody else has had to build from the ground up to create the life they wanted, and they are still building. I just want to be able to provide for all of them in the ways they need. They all have been an inspiration in their own individual ways. I come from a family of survivors.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

I like a multiple scheme one that offers both zone and gap runs. Pro style offenses I like becuase it’s smash mouth old school ball but I love the spread offense not only because of the extra space in the box as a runner but also it allows me to get in open space and make plays catching out of the backfield.

What should we know about Ellis Merriweather the person?

I am a God fearing man who genuinely loves people, I love reading and learning new things to elevate my mind, and I am an ultimate competitor. I want to win and be great in everything I do and I take that personally, it’s how I live my life.

What stands out about your film the most?

My vision, my natural feel for the game of football, my physicality, and my love for my teammates who I’m battling alongside.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I try my hardest to handle them with grace, the good and the bad. Challenges and adversity are truly what expose a man’s character and I feel as if I only become better and more focused when faced with them. Not saying I’m perfect, I love challenges and use them as a tool for inspiration within myself to conquer whatever it is I’m facing.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A player with a high spirit & great energy, I have learned that being myself is key to my success and everywhere I go I bring my gentle heart with me because that’s who I am. They will get somebody who loves the process and will give everything he has to be able to provide value to the organization in whatever ways that mean.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The process. The work that goes in from day one of the off season, being able to choose and analyze what needs to be worked on, making it the focus and working day and night to implement it in my game. Seeing the growth of not only myself but also my teammates throughout the season and looking at how far we’ve come. The process. And nothing feels better than earning a win ontop of all of that.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Dedrick Mills, He was literally a wrecking ball, nobody could tackle him, he taught me a lot when it comes to being a mean nasty physical downhill runner, this was when I was in JUCO at Garden City.