Lakewood’s stars will be departing due to graduation. Tracy Johnson, the team leader, Rodney Adams and Marquez Valdes, one of the most dynamic duos in the area; the Griffin twins who were the story of the year along with numerous other role players will not be part of the team next year. However, the team won’t stop shining and stars will have to be replaced.

Joc Ellison, Lakewood 2014 ATH was overshadowed by the attention on Valdes and Adams. But, his talents are on the same level. He is a very explosive, dynamic player who can do so much and make so many plays at different positions. When QB, Tracy Johnson went down do to injury, Ellison kept the offensive army moving.  When Valdes or Adams were being keyed on, Joc was the “go to” guy. He has the ability to line up at several positions and continue to make plays.

Ellison is known for his highlight acts. Jumping over taller players, running past faster players and making plays that seem difficult for the average athlete. “I can improve at my speed a little,” says Ellison.  He is the “throwback” kind of athlete.  Does his job and goes about his own business; never asking for the spotlight or the glory.  However, he will get the spotlight this year and hopefully be worthy of the glory.

Very much a team player and well liked by those who line up with him on Friday nights, Ellison has high remarks for one of his own. He speaks highly of teammate Ben Bryant. “He has everything it takes. If he is losing, he never gives up and always works hard.” He not only looks up to his teammate, Ben Bryant, he also admires head coach, Cory Moore. “He had everything it took to get to the NFL  and he teaches me the same, why it’s going to pay off in the long run.”

Currently, Joc holds a verbal offer from Toledo with interest from Houston, South Florida and Oregon. He plans on visiting USF this coming Friday and taking a visit to Oregon this summer in June.