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NAME: Sedrick Ellis (DT)
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 305


Overview
The Trojans' three-year starter at nose guard, Ellis was regarded as one of the top interior linemen in the country entering his senior season, and only continued to build his reputation in 2007. The winner of the Pat Tillman Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award, Ellis was also the recipient of the Morris Trophy, given to the league's premier lineman.

Many had expected Ellis to be playing in the National Football League rather than for the Trojans in 2007. He seriously contemplated applying after his junior season, but because he missed a portion of 2006 while recovering from early season arthroscopic knee surgery, he decided to return for his final campaign. "I think I can mature more as a football player and a person," Ellis said last summer. "It's only one more year. How bad can one more year be?"

Southern California's gain resulted in significant losses for their opposition, as no offensive lineman could contain Ellis, who registered a career-high 8.5 sacks to go along with 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pass deflections as a senior. After manhandling the Notre Dame offensive line in their 2007 encounter, the Irish head coach Charlie Weis told reporters, "Ellis is on about every (award) list known to mankind. He locates the ball, uses his hands, plays with good balance. He's a tough player."

At Chino High School, Ellis earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors.

Ellis was also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP. The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002.

As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams. He posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001. As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition. He also competed on the school's track team in the weights.

Ellis enrolled at Southern California in 2003, but during fall drills he suffered a left ankle fracture and was granted a medical hardship. He played in 11 games behind All-American Mike Patterson at nose guard in 2004, but saw just limited action, making two assisted tackles.

With Patterson graduating, Ellis took over nose guard chores in 2005, starting all 13 games. He received All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention, as he collected 50 tackles (28 solos) and ranked third on the squad with 4.5 sacks and eight stops for losses. He also deflected three passes and caused a fumble.

In 2006, Ellis earned Collegefootballnews.com All-American first-team honors, in addition to being a consensus All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice, despite missing three games after he suffered torn cartilage in his right knee in practice prior to the Nebraska clash. He still managed to win the Pac-10 Morris Trophy (for the league's top defensive lineman, as voted by the league's offensive linemen).

Ellis went on to register 34 tackles (17 solos), 4.5 sacks and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 10 contests. He also had a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three pass deflections and blocked a kick. USC center, Ryan Kalil, who battled vs. Ellis in practices for three years and was the offensive recipient of the 2006 Morris Trophy, raved about his former teammate, stating, "He's an unbelievable football player. He made me so much better because I had to block him every day. He's so strong, so man-strong. He's just a good player."

Ellis was a unanimous All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice as a senior. He was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and Lott Trophy, in addition to being named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and winning the Morris Trophy for the second consecutive season. In 13 starts, he totaled 58 tackles (29 solos) and ranked second on the squad with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 stops for losses. He also batted away seven passes and recovered two fumbles.

In 48 games at Southern California, Ellis started 36 contests. He registered 144 tackles (74 solos), 17.5 sacks for minus-130 yards and 28.5 stops for losses of 158 yards. He was credited with three quarterback pressures, 13 pass deflections and a blocked kick. He also caused two fumbles and recovered four others.

Career Notes
Ellis became the 11th player in school history to win the coveted Morris Trophy, an award presented since 1980 to the Pac-10's outstanding offensive and defensive linemen. The offensive winner is selected by vote of the Pac-10's defensive linemen and vice versa...He is only the second player in USC annals to earn that trophy twice in a career, joining offensive guard Roy Foster (1980-81)...Only two other Trojan defensive players have won the Morris Trophy -- nose guard George Achica in 1982 and defensive tackle Darrell Russell in 1996...In 2007, he became USC's fifth defensive player to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year honors.

High School
Attended Chino (Calif.) High School, playing football for head coach John Mesner...Earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors...Also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP...The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002...As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams...Posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001...As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition...Also competed on the school's track team in the weights.

NFL Events: Draft Player Profiles - Sedrick Ellis

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NAME: Tracy Porter (CB)
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 185

Overview
One of the nation's top playmaking defensive backs, Tracy Porter became the first player in school history to return a punt, interception and fumble for touchdowns in his career.

The team captain has always been known for his ball-hawking skills, but after years of reluctance to perform vs. the run, Porter showed good determination in stopping the run his final season.

As a senior, Porter became the first Hoosier since Mark Sutor in 1982 to record six or more interceptions in a season. He would close out his career with 16 interceptions, three short of the school record of 19 by Tim Wilbur (1978-82). Ever the opportunist, he amassed 413 yards on those interception returns, breaking the previous Indiana record of 360 yards by Wilbur. He also became just the third player in Big Ten Conference history to gain over 400 yards on interception returns, joining Jamar Fletcher of Wisconsin (459, 1998-2000) and Tom Curtis of Michigan (431, 1967-69).

It took a few years for Porter to warm up to playing football. At Port Allen High School, he was more noted for his basketball talent than for his football prowess. He played only two seasons of football during his prep days, but earned first-team All-District 3A honors as a senior and second-team laurels as a junior.

Porter played quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense and made 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups as a cornerback during his senior year. He also returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return. He also started at point guard for the basketball team and clocked a personal best 10.4 in the 100 meters for the track team.

Porter joined Leslie Majors as the only true freshmen to letter at Indiana in 2004. He was named to The Sporting News' Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team. He started the first seven games at right cornerback before he was sidelined for the final four contests with a left shoulder injury (clavicle fracture). He posted 22 tackles (19 solo) with six pass breakups and also intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown.

As a sophomore, Porter started all 11 games, 10 at right cornerback, and in the season finale vs. Purdue, he shifted to strong safety. He delivered 48 tackles (42 solo) with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He picked off three more passes and also batted away six other throws.

Porter added punt return duties to his resume in 2006. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference pick, starting all 12 games at right cornerback. He was in on 59 tackles (51 solos), as he recovered a fumble, caused another and knocked down eight balls. He had four interceptions and a 27-yard kickoff return while also blocking one kick.

In 2007 preseason camps, Porter excelled and the coaching staff felt that he had the ability to be the Big Ten's elite cornerback. Coach Bill Lynch was impressed by Porter's play and maturity and predicted a big year.

In 2007, Porter became the first Indiana cornerback since Mike Dumas in 1989 to earn All-Big Ten Conference first-team accolades. He shifted to left cornerback, ranking second in the league and tied for 18th nationally with six interceptions. He ranked tied for third in the Big Ten with an 11.0-yard average on 23 punt returns. He totaled 83 tackles (63 solo), with a sack and 5.5 stops for losses. He recovered two fumbles, returning one for a score and had four pass breakups.

Porter started all 43 games in which he played at Indiana, lining up at right cornerback for 29 contests, at left cornerback for 13 games and once at strong safety. He ranks second in school history with 16 interceptions for a Hoosiers all-time record 413 yards in returns (25.8-yard average) and a touchdown. He recovered four fumbles for 147 yards in returns, including a score. He added 477 yards and a touchdown on 35 punt returns (13.6 avg) and had a 27-yard kickoff return. He finished with 212 tackles (175 solo), a nine-yard sack and 5.5 stops for minus-18 yards. He also caused two fumbles, deflected 24 passes and blocked a kick.

Career Notes
Porter's 16 interceptions rank second in school history, topped only by Tim Wilbur's 19 (1978-82)...His 413 yards on interception returns broke Wilbur's previous school all-time record of 360 yards and rank third in Big Ten Conference annals behind Jamar Fletcher of Wisconsin (459, 1998-2000) and Tom Curtis of Michigan (431, 1967-69)...First player in school history to return a punt, an interception and a fumble for a touchdown in his career...First Indiana cornerback since Mike Dumas in 1989 to earn first-team All-Big Ten Conference honors (2007)...Had six interceptions in 2007, tying Mark Sutor (1982), Tim Wilbur (1978), Milt Campbell (1955) and John Cannady (1946) for third on the school's season-record list, surpassed only by Wilbur's eight pass thefts in 1979 and seven by Dave Abrams in 1977...Gained 137 yards on interception returns in 2007, the fourth-best season total in Indiana history behind Tim Wilbur (167 in 1979 and 138 in 1978) and Mike Dumas (152 in 1990)...His 98 yards in returns via interceptions vs. Central Michigan in 2004 is the second-best game total in Hoosiers annals, topped only by Mike Dumas (99 vs. Purdue, 11/24/90)...His 96-yard interception return vs. Central Michigan in 2004 is the fourth-longest in school history behind Mike Dumas (99 vs. Purdue, 11/24/90), Tim Wilbur (98 vs. Michigan State, 10/21/78) and Alfonzo Thurman (97 vs. Miami, Ohio, 9/10/94)...His punt-return average of 13.6 yards rank seventh in Big Ten Conference history and set a school career-record.

High School
Attended Port Allen (La.) High School, playing football for head coach Paul DeStifanto...Played only two seasons of football during his prep days, but earned first-team All-District 3A honors as a senior and second-team laurels as a junior, despite missing seven games with a right forearm fracture that year...Competed as a quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense and made 93 tackles, 11 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 14 pass breakups as a cornerback during his senior year...Returned two punts and two kickoffs each for touchdowns, averaging 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 per punt return...Started at point guard for the basketball team and clocked a personal best 10.4 in the 100 meters for the track team.

NFL Events: Draft Player Profiles - Tracy Porter

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NAME: DeMario Pressley (DT)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 301

Overview
Pressley hoped the 2007 season would be a banner final campaign, but it turned into a weekly visit to the team's training room. Ever since dislocating his left wrist late in the 2006 season, Pressley has been a regular under the doctor's care, as he suffered a left big toe fracture in spring camp and had a gruesome left elbow injury that resulted in three ligament tears in August camp.

He played with his elbow heavily taped in the 2007 season opener, but then tore cartilage in his knee in an early September non-contact drill, undergoing arthroscopic surgery that sidelined him for several games. Upon his return, he ending up twisting his ankle in the Louisville clash, as his litany of injuries was uncommon for a player that was never hurt throughout his entire football career until his recent misfortunes.

Pressley was a Parade All-American and first-team All-USA selection by USA Today at Dudley High School. He was a two-time All-State choice and named the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003. He was also a two-time All-Conference and All-Area pick, adding 2003 Conference Player of the Year honors, as he was also chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

He was listed as the best player in North Carolina, the nation's seventh overall player and the premier defensive lineman in the country by Super Prep. He was also selected the nation's top-ranked defensive tackle and 11th overall player by Rivals.com. He added 2003 EA Sports High School All-American, Fox Sports Net's first-team All-South Team and Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team honors as that service's top-rated defensive lineman.

As a senior, Pressley notched 90 tackles and 14 sacks. He collected 97 tackles and 14 sacks as a junior. He also played center for school's basketball team and earned two letters in track-and-field, competing in the shot put.

Pressley was the only true freshman on the North Carolina State 2004 squad to start any games, as he appeared in 12 contests, earning that starting assignment in the Maryland clash as a left defensive end. He came up with 15 tackles (9 solos) with a stop for a 5-yard loss that year.

Named the team's Most Improved Defensive Lineman, he was also an Academic All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection in 2005, going on to start all 12 games at right defensive tackle. He collected 43 tackles (27 solos) with a sack, six stops for losses and four quarterback pressures. He also caused and recovered a fumble while starring as the defensive unit's youngest starter.

A toe injury limited Pressley's playing time during spring drills, but he went on to start the team's first 11 games, lining up at right defensive tackle in 10 of those contests and at left defensive end vs. Virginia, but suffered a left wrist dislocation vs. North Carolina. He underwent surgery, missing the team's season finale, finishing with 46 tackles (30 solos), two sacks and seven stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Throughout his rash of injuries in 2007, Pressley started seven of the 10 games he appeared in at left defensive tackle. He was in on 41 tackles (28 solos) with 1.5 sacks, seven stops for losses and eight pressures. He broke up one pass and intercepted two others.

Career Notes
In 42 games at North Carolina State, Pressley started 31 contests -- 21 at right tackle, seven at left tackle and three at left end...Recorded 145 tackles (94 solos) with 4.5 sacks for minus-24 yards, 21 stops for losses of 56 yards and 14 quarterback pressures...Caused a pair of fumbles and recovered another...Deflected three passes and gained three yards on two interception returns.

High School
Attended Dudley (Greensboro, N.C.) High School, playing football for head coach Victor Floyd...Parade All-American and first-team All-USA selection by USA Today...Two-time All-State choice and named the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003...Also a two-time All-Conference and All-Area pick, adding 2003 Conference Player of the Year honors, as he was also chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl...Listed as the best player in North Carolina, the nation's seventh overall player and the premier defensive lineman in the country by Super Prep...Selected the nation's top-ranked defensive tackle and 11th overall player by Rivals.com...Added 2003 EA Sports High School All-American, Fox Sports Net's first-team All-South Team and Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team honors as that service's top-rated defensive lineman...As a senior, Pressley notched 90 tackles and 14 sacks...Collected 97 tackles and 14 sacks as a junior...Also played center for school's basketball team and earned two letters in track-and-field, competing in the shot put.

NFL Events: Draft Player Profiles - DeMario Pressley

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