Ellis with two on top

Wendell (N.C.) East Wake defensive back Dominique Ellis is coming off a junior season in which he racked 87 tackles and an amazing 13 interceptions, and teams have started to take notice.

"I have offers from NC State, South Carolina and East Carolina," the 5-foot-11, 187-pound Ellis said. "North Carolina also seems like they're close to offering me."

NC State has emerged as the current team to beat for Ellis' services.

"NC State has been ranked very high in total defense the last two years, and they just had the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft in Mario Williams," Ellis said. "Their defensive backs coach (Greg Williams) used to coach at Georgia, and he coached guys like Champ Bailey when he was there. They are my favorite school right now."

Ellis, who turned in a very impressive 3.88 second shuttle time at the Clemson NIKE Camp, also likes what South Carolina has to offer.

"South Carolina is a school that is dedicated to winning under Steve Spurrier. I mean he (Spurrier) is one of the greatest coaches of all time, so it would be great to play for someone like him. They also have a good graduation rate, and that's something that's important to me. The only thing with them is they have two cornerbacks already committed to them."

North Carolina rounds out Ellis' top three.

"There's a lot of history at UNC. Greg Ellis (current Dallas Cowboy) is a distant cousin of mine, and he played there. Aleric Mullins is a former teammate of mine, and he signed with them. They say they're making a new commitment to football like they've always been with basketball."

Ellis knows what he's looking for in a school.

"Location is really not something that's important to me. I want to play for a school that is committed to winning, and a school that offers a good combination of athletics and academics. I also want to play for coaches that are in touch with their players on a personal level. Like a place with a lot of camaraderie."

Two teams currently stand out the most to him.

"NC State and South Carolina are my top two, and I'd have to give the edge to NC State right now. I plan to make my decision sometime before the season starts."

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