Redskins star LaRon Landry wasn’t the only tackling machine in Washington, D.C., over the weekend. The Hampton Pirates visited Washington Sept. 11 and left with a 31-21 victory against the Howard Bison, thanks in large part to Hampton senior Kenrick Ellis. The 6-foot-5, 340-pound defensive lineman out of West Palm Beach, Fla., was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Pirates with 16 tackles (seven solo) last Saturday. Ellis also recorded two sacks a for 16-yard loss and recovered a fumble in the Pirates first win of the season.
“It was great to have Ellis out here today,” Hampton coach Donovan Rose told reporters after the game. “He made his presence known to everyone.”
Meanwhile, fellow Hampton teammate Rodrigo Hernandez earned the MEAC Rookie of the Week honor for his outstanding performance against Howard. Hernandez, a freshman kicker from Miami, booted in four extra points and a 36-yard field goal to help give the Pirates the win.
“I am impressed, overall, with the job that we did,” Rose said. “The offense put up 31 points today and the defense did well also, but there are a few things that we need to work on.”
Hampton will see its next action on Sept. 18 when they host North Carolina A&T, while Howard will face Florida A&M.
