Georgia Southern University Athletics

2016-17: Played in all 12 games, starting six … Was on the field for 440 snaps (1 offensive, 379 defensive and 60 special teams) … One of three players to see action on offense, defense and special teams … Recorded 19 total tackles (8u, 11a) with 2.5 being for a loss … Had a season-high three tackles against Appalachian State, Louisiana and Ole Miss. 

2015-16: Started all 13 games at the nose tackle position … A Second-Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection … Was on the field for 462 defensive snaps … Tallied 33 total tackles (12u, 21a) with 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks and one interception … Recorded two total tackles against West Virginia … Tallied two stops against Western Michigan … Had four total tackles against The Citadel … Recorded three total tackles and an interception against Idaho … Had three tackles, including half a sack for a loss of 2 yards, against ULM … Recorded a solo tackle against New Mexico State and Troy … Posted two tackles, including half a sack against Appalachian State … Tallied two solo tackles and a sack against Texas State… Registered four tackles against both Georgia and South Alabama … Had a stop against Georgia State … Was in on four tackles in the Eagles’ bowl win against Bowling Green … Made the school’s honor roll in the spring. 

2014-15: Started all 12 games at nose tackle … Named All-Sun Belt Conference honorable mention … Had 36 total tackles (24u, 12a) … Recorded season-high eight tackles at Georgia Tech … Posted six tackles at South Alabama … Had 2.0 sacks with a solo effort at South Alabama and against Appalachian State … Had 4.0 tackles for loss with a season-high 1.5 at South Alabama.

2013-14: Played in 10 games in 2013, missing only Appalachian State game … Had four tackles (2u, 2a) at Wofford … Finished the season with 14 total tackles (6u, 8a) … Recorded a pass breakup vs. Savannah State in his collegiate debut … Assisted on two tackles vs. Saint Francis (Pa.) … Credited with three total tackles vs. Furman (2u, 1a) … Also had two solo tackles vs. Elon for seven total in final month of play.
 
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year varsity starter who was selected for the Georgia North/South All-State game after helping Harris County to Region 1-AAAAA championship … Rated the nation’s No. 34 defensive tackle … Deemed a three-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals … Earned first team all-state honors as a senior … A two-time all-region selection … Named to the Columbus Ledger’s Bi-City first-team defense … Second-team all-region pick as a sophomore … Presented with the J. Smith Lanier Outstanding Player of the Year Award for 2012 and the Defensive Award for Harris County by the Harris County Touchdown Club … Two-time Columbus City champion in wrestling at heavyweight … Tigers’ team MVP on the mat as a junior, finished as state 4AAAA runner up … Placed third in the state as a senior … Selected the most outstanding underclassmen wrestler as a sophomore … As a member of the Tiger track & field team, qualified for sectionals in shot put as a sophomore and in discus as a junior.
 
PERSONAL: Born James M. Ellison on January 6, 1995 … Son of Carol and Jesse Ellison … Has an older sister, Kimberly.
 
MAJOR: General Studies