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University of Minnesota Athletics
The Complete Package - Jared Ellerson
11/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Usually wide receivers fall under one of these categories. Golden Gopher receiver Jared Ellerson qualifites for all of them. The Copley, Ohio native has played a large role in the Gophers’ offensive attack since his freshman season in 2002.
The proof can be found by glancing at Ellerson’s career numbers at the ‘U.’ Ranking among the school’s career leaders in receptions and touchdowns, Ellerson is also on pace to become only the fourth player in school history to accumulate 2,000 yards receiving. He has also caught a pass in 25 consecutive games dating back to the 2003 season. Ellerson’s contributions have been a key factor in the Gophers having one of the most productive offenses in the Big Ten Conference.
“We’ve got some awfully good receivers in this league,” head coach Glen Mason noted. “You look at the guys from Michigan - Steve Breaston, Jason Avant, their whole corps. Everybody always talks about them. Jared Ellerson hasn’t been talked about very much; I think he’s a real good receiver. He’s made a lot of big plays for this team.” But when it comes to accepting credit for these accomplishments, Ellerson is quick to remind you how his teammates are extremely important parts of his success on the field.
“I have a lot of confidence in (Bryan) Cupito,” Ellerson admits. “Opposing defenses also have to stop Laurence (Maroney), so that gets our receivers a lot of one-on-one coverage, and gives me a chance to beat my guy.”
Ellerson also knows that with the Minnesota offensive scheme the way it is, his success requires him to remain consistent and diligent in his work ethic.
“In the system we have, we have great running backs and we run the ball a lot,” Ellerson explained. “You see me a lot of the time blocking. But when the ball comes, I’ll do anything to try and catch it.”
For all of the roles that Jared Ellerson can play within the course of a game, none is more vital than his role as the senior leader of the Gophers receiving corps. The leadership that he has, and continues to provide, has given the team’s younger receivers an advantage that other teams may not have: A role model who is solid in all aspects of the position.
“Jared does a great job. Everybody looks up to him,” wide receiver coach Luke Tressel said. “He brings so much fundamentally. For the other guys to be able to watch him and just copy what he does, it’s great for the young guys. He does things as well as anybody.”
Though Ellerson is the leader of this receiving corps, his methods in leading may not be what fans may expect.
“If they ask my advice, I always tell them what I think – and then tell them to go to coach. Other than that, I really just try to lead by example. If I’m working hard, my teammates can see that and it pushes them to step up their game.”
With all the credentials Ellerson has earned throughout his career, his coaches still notice that he still has capability of raising his game to another level that it has not reached before.
“Jared has unlimited potential,” Tressel added. “We just have to go out and give him the opportunities to catch the ball. It’s the same for all of our wideouts. We have to step up and make plays when it’s our turn.”
Jared Ellerson has done and meant many things to this Golden Gopher football program, and that became even more evident this past Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Though it may not sound glamorous, Ellerson made the key block that led halfback Gary Russell down the sideline for a 61-yard scamper to set up Jason Giannini’s game winning field goal over the Wolverines, the Gophers first win over Michigan since 1986. Just another example of how Jared Ellerson is the complete package.
Story written by David Reidinger, athletic communications student assistant A wide receiver has many on-field personas. Some are known as possession receivers. These are the individuals who run crisp routes and fearlessly catch any ball thrown their way, no matter what the obstacle, just to reach for that extra yard. Some are known as deep threats. These are the speedsters, the guys sprinting down the sideline, blowing past defenders to electrify the crowd with a long touchdown. All receivers are also expected to be tough and to be able block defenders when the offense is trying to break a big play.
Usually wide receivers fall under one of these categories. Golden Gopher receiver Jared Ellerson qualifites for all of them. The Copley, Ohio native has played a large role in the Gophers’ offensive attack since his freshman season in 2002.
The proof can be found by glancing at Ellerson’s career numbers at the ‘U.’ Ranking among the school’s career leaders in receptions and touchdowns, Ellerson is also on pace to become only the fourth player in school history to accumulate 2,000 yards receiving. He has also caught a pass in 25 consecutive games dating back to the 2003 season. Ellerson’s contributions have been a key factor in the Gophers having one of the most productive offenses in the Big Ten Conference.
“We’ve got some awfully good receivers in this league,” head coach Glen Mason noted. “You look at the guys from Michigan - Steve Breaston, Jason Avant, their whole corps. Everybody always talks about them. Jared Ellerson hasn’t been talked about very much; I think he’s a real good receiver. He’s made a lot of big plays for this team.” But when it comes to accepting credit for these accomplishments, Ellerson is quick to remind you how his teammates are extremely important parts of his success on the field.
“I have a lot of confidence in (Bryan) Cupito,” Ellerson admits. “Opposing defenses also have to stop Laurence (Maroney), so that gets our receivers a lot of one-on-one coverage, and gives me a chance to beat my guy.”
Ellerson also knows that with the Minnesota offensive scheme the way it is, his success requires him to remain consistent and diligent in his work ethic.
“In the system we have, we have great running backs and we run the ball a lot,” Ellerson explained. “You see me a lot of the time blocking. But when the ball comes, I’ll do anything to try and catch it.”
For all of the roles that Jared Ellerson can play within the course of a game, none is more vital than his role as the senior leader of the Gophers receiving corps. The leadership that he has, and continues to provide, has given the team’s younger receivers an advantage that other teams may not have: A role model who is solid in all aspects of the position.
“Jared does a great job. Everybody looks up to him,” wide receiver coach Luke Tressel said. “He brings so much fundamentally. For the other guys to be able to watch him and just copy what he does, it’s great for the young guys. He does things as well as anybody.”
Though Ellerson is the leader of this receiving corps, his methods in leading may not be what fans may expect.
“If they ask my advice, I always tell them what I think – and then tell them to go to coach. Other than that, I really just try to lead by example. If I’m working hard, my teammates can see that and it pushes them to step up their game.”
With all the credentials Ellerson has earned throughout his career, his coaches still notice that he still has capability of raising his game to another level that it has not reached before.
“Jared has unlimited potential,” Tressel added. “We just have to go out and give him the opportunities to catch the ball. It’s the same for all of our wideouts. We have to step up and make plays when it’s our turn.”
Jared Ellerson has done and meant many things to this Golden Gopher football program, and that became even more evident this past Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Though it may not sound glamorous, Ellerson made the key block that led halfback Gary Russell down the sideline for a 61-yard scamper to set up Jason Giannini’s game winning field goal over the Wolverines, the Gophers first win over Michigan since 1986. Just another example of how Jared Ellerson is the complete package.
Story written by David Reidinger, athletic communications student assistant
