It was Senior Day for Keaton Ellis. Here’s a look at his career, from State High to Penn State

Penn State safety Keaton Ellis, who graduated from State High in 2019, ran onto the Beaver Stadium field for the final time as a Nittany Lion on Saturday as part of the program’s Senior Day festivities.

Ellis has gone from an unranked cornerback prospect offered by James Franklin in 2017 — something he called “a dream come true” — to a team captain as a safety in 2023. The former Little Lion hit several career milestones along the way, including making a start as a freshman before making a position change prior to the 2021 season.

Ellis has been a versatile player for the Nittany Lions, fitting in wherever his coaches needed him, much like he did at State High, where he excelled as a receiver, a defensive back and a returner. His final year of high school ended with him hauling in 50 passes for 888 yards and 15 touchdowns, a 12-2 record and an appearance in the PIAA Class 6A state quarterfinals.

Here’s a look back at the former Little Lion’s career.

June 16, 2017: Penn State extends a scholarship offer to Ellis, who announces his commitment to the Nittany Lions three months later.

Sept. 15, 2017: Ellis follows up his commitment announcement by tallying 84 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns against Mifflin County.

Sept. 14, 2018: Ellis earns 184 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns against Carlisle on only six receptions.

Oct. 6, 2018: The Little Lion junior racks up 12 receptions for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns against Harrisburg.

Nov. 24, 2018: Ellis plays his final game for State High, falling in the state playoffs to Pine-Richland. He finishes the game with 5 catches for 211 yards and a touchdown.

Aug. 31, 2019: The State High native makes his debut across town, playing for the Nittany Lions in their 79-7 win over Idaho.

Sept. 7, 2019: Ellis registers his first career tackle, assisting on one in the team’s 45-13 win over Buffalo.

Sept. 27, 2019: Capitalizing on the team’s blowout, Ellis forces and recovers his first career fumble in the fourth quarter of the Nittany Lions’ 59-0 win over Maryland.

Dec. 29, 2019: Ellis plays in his first bowl game for Penn State when the program earns a Cotton Bowl victory over Memphis, 53-39.

Dec. 19, 2020: The then-cornerback catches his first college interception from Illinois QB Isaiah Williams early in the first quarter of Penn State’s 56-21 win over the Illini.

Aug. 7, 2021: Penn State moves Ellis to the middle of the field with a position change from cornerback to safety, which is announced by then-defensive coordinator Brent Pry at media day.

April 15, 2023: Ellis becomes a captain entering his fifth year with the program when head coach James Franklin makes the announcement following spring ball.

Oct. 14, 2023: The now-safety records his first interception at the position, picking off UMass’ Ahmad Haston in the third quarter of Penn State’s 63-0 win.

Nov. 18, 2023: Ellis played his final game at Beaver Stadium, when Penn State defeated Rutgers 27-6 and celebrated Senior Day for the 2023 season.

This story was originally published November 18, 2023 at 6:00 AM.