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Tino Ellis is rising to the challenge of playing defense for Maryland football

Tino Ellis came to Maryland football as a four-star wide receiver prospect. He was one of the program’s most highly touted recruits in the class of 2016. Last week against Minnesota the freshman made his first career start — at cornerback.

Ellis beat out sophomore JC Jackson because the freshman performed better in practice throughout the week. The two are listed as co-starters on the depth chart ahead of the Michigan State game on Saturday night. Jackson is no slouch, so for Ellis to reach his level is pretty impressive.

It didn’t come completely out of nowhere: Like many top high school receivers, Ellis moonlighted on defense and special teams at DeMatha.