WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- Dannell Ellerbe said his “first love” was strong safety. And he fought the move when his coaches moved him to linebacker as a junior in high school because they had another strong safety who was all-state.
“But it was the best thing I could’ve did,” said Ellerbe, who is now going into his eighth NFL season with the New Orleans Saints as their projected starter at weakside linebacker. “I could’ve been an average strong safety that probably wouldn’t be here. Or an athletic linebacker.”
When asked if his career has turned out better than the all-state strong safety, Ellerbe quickly responded, “Oh yeah,” with a smile.