Aledo (TX) is regarded as one of the top football programs not only in Texas, but the entire nation. The Bearcats have won six state championships since 2009 and reached the title game again in 2017.
Winning is a tradition in the tiny town just west of Ft. Worth.
In addition to the high number of wins, Aledo has also become a stomping ground for college recruiters over the years. The Bearcats have produced a high number of college players and the 2018 team is carrying on the tradition with several prospects from the 2019 and 2020 classes.
Among the top names is defensive end Colt Ellison.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder currently holds 22 offers on the table including Penn State, Notre Dame, Baylor, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Washington and TCU among others. Ellison recently took an official visit to Notre Dame.
“It was pretty good; it’s a long way away,” he said of the visit up to South Bend.
Just over a week ago Ellison was on TCU’s campus for the Frogs’ annual spring scrimmage. Despite the cold weather, Ellison enjoyed his time on campus and had a chance to talk to some Frog commitments.
“It was pretty good and I got to meet a couple of the commits; Brannon Brown and Dee Winters,” he said. “I talked with Brannon for most of the game.”
The recent visit to TCU was just the latest in several visits he’s made to the Ft. Worth campus. Ellison has visited multiple times in recent months from a junior day to spring practices. In that time he’s built great relationships with the coaching staff including Jarrett Anderson, Sonny Cumbie and ‘his guy’, Tony Savino.
“It’s been great; I’ve built a great relationship with all of the coaches; it’s just like a big family,” he said. “It’s been great so far.”
Playing time could help TCU when it comes to landing Ellison. In fact, that’s one of the big factors they’re telling him with Ben Banogu, L.J. Collier and Michael Epley all graduating after this upcoming season.
“They’re telling me that they’re low on defensive end so they need three this class and I think they want me pretty good,” said. “They said I could play early because three people graduate early and I would be a great fit.”
Living just down the road from TCU, it was always a dream for Ellison to get recruited by the Frogs. Now, he’s hearing plenty about where he should continue his career from friends and family.
“It’s pretty great; all the people in Aledo want me to go there, all the parents want to come to the games and watch me,” he said. “My grandma is a big TCU fan and she really wants me to go there.”
Proximity could play a big role in his decision. Ellison is very close to his family and although he knows he would get the support from his family wherever he goes near or far, playing closer to home is something he’s taking into serious consideration.
“It’s very important,” Ellison said on how important distance will play a factor. “My Mom wouldn’t miss a game no matter where I go but it would be a lot easier for her to just drive fifteen minutes up the road.”
In addition to the pitches he hears from TCU, family and friends, he gets a double-dose when one of his close friends, Wyatt Harris, is already committed to the Frogs. Ellison says he hears plenty not only from Wyatt, but also from Wes and Hunter Harris, who are already on campus.
“Every day,” Ellison said laughing. “It’s pretty funny. He’s always messing around about it. They always talk with me about going to TCU.”
With several programs to choose from, Ellison says he doesn’t plan to draw out the process for a long time. In fact, he hopes to have a decision very soon.
“I kind of want to make a commit in the next couple of weeks or right after spring ball,” Ellison said.
When asked what schools currently stand out, Ellison lists TCU, Notre Dame and Penn State as schools that interest him. Additionally, he would like to take a visit to Washington, who offered last week.
Ellison is rated as the No. 34 weakside defensive end in the nation according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
