Ellis Merriweather never took the easy path to the NFL.
The former UMass running back began his college career at Garden City Community College after a standout career at Alpharetta High School in Alpharetta, Ga. Garden City reached the NJCAA National Championship Game in 2018.
Then he joined a UMass program rebuilding under former coach Walt Bell and shouldered the weight of an offense that sputtered without him. Even after battling an injury this past season, the former Phil Steele all-Independent second team honoree received an invitation to the Green Bay Packers rookie mini camp Monday. The camp will convene later this week in Wisconsin.