December 22, 2021

Ellis, Scott named DI Co-Defensive Players of the Year

Charlotte, NC – Iowa Western linebacker Jacob Ellis and Snow (UT) defensive back Keionte Scott have been named the 2021 NJCAA Division I Co-Defensive Players of the Year, presented by the Marines.

Jacob Ellis

Over 10 games, Ellis was a strong presence on Iowa Western's "Darkside" defense which only allowed 15.5 points per game and 262.7 yards per game this season. Ellis, a 6-foot-1 freshman, posted double-digit tackle performances during three games.

Ellis' defensive efforts led the Reivers to earn the No. 1 ranking in the final regular-season poll and the top overall seed in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoff. In the semifinal contest, Iowa Western hosted No. 4 Snow in Council Bluffs. Ellis posted eight tackles in the 30-29 overtime victory. Iowa Western faced No. 2 New Mexico Military in the 2021 NJCAA Division I Football Championship game on December 17 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, AR. Despite falling to the Broncos 13-31, Ellis claimed six tackles including 1.5 tackles for a loss.

Ellis' most dominant performance of the season was on October 30 in a 20-17 win against region-rival Iowa Central. The freshman's stat line included 15 tackles and two interceptions.

In addition to the NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year award, Ellis' season accolades include NJCAA Division I All-America First Team selection, Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) All-Conference, and ICCAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Player Profile

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 215
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Granite Bay, CA

2021 Statistics

10 games played
77.0 tackles
45 solo tackles
8 tackles for loss
5 interceptions
4 forced fumbles

Keionte Scott

Over eight games, Scott was a consistent presence for the Badger defense which only allowed 13.7 points per game and 211.8 yards per game this season.

Scott's defensive efforts led in Snow earning the No. 4 ranking in the final regular-season poll and a spot in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoff. In the semifinal contest, Snow traveled to face No. 1 Iowa Western where the Badgers fell 29-30 in overtime. In the contest, Scott notched four tackles and one pass breakup.

Scott's most dominant performance of the season was on October 23 in a 43-21 win against Kilgore. The freshman's stat line included eight tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups.

In addition to the NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year award, Scott's was also an NJCAA Division I All-America First Team selection.