Delvecchio Ellis, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman for Vicksburg High, with the autographed football he got from Grambling coach Doug Williams. (The Vicksburg Post/MELANIE DUNCAN)

[06/21/01] Vicksburg High coach Alonzo Stevens may have to tweak his offensive playbook after Delvecchio Ellis’ performance at the Grambling State camp.

Ellis, one of several massive offensive lineman set to suit up for the Gators this season, was selected offensive Most Valuable Player of the camp.

He was recognized for his hustle and hard work, but it was three plays during 7-on-7 games that has Stevens scratching his head.

Ellis, not accustomed to being a receiver, caught three touchdown passes. On the first one, he spiked the ball and went into as much of a split as a 6-foot-3, 300-pounder can.

“It felt good because you don’t get to do it in the games,” Ellis said. “I spiked the ball, did a split and everything.”

Stevens said of all the camps he’s been to, rarely will a lineman win the offensive MVP award.

“With his athleticism and hustle, he was just the best one of the 300 that were there,” Stevens said.

Nine VHS players participated in the camp and Stevens saw positives from all of them.

Ellis added that he was a little bit surprised by the award.

“When they said an offensive lineman won it, I knew I won because I worked hard,” Ellis said after finishing summer running drills on Monday. “I was going through all my drills at full speed, while others were dragging around.

“There were a lot of good players over there, but they didn’t give it their all.”

For his performance, Ellis got a football signed by Grambling coach Doug Williams, who was MVP of Super Bowl XXII after leading Washington to the championship.

Ellis, a junior, is a key component in the VHS “Tons of Fun” offensive line. The Gators average about 300 pounds across the line.

“We wanted to get them out there to compete and show them they can compete,” Stevens said. “We’ve got to get our guys to know they can compete with anybody.”

Three Gators are at Bobby Bowden’s camp in Alabama this week.

Ellis said he will try to go to camps at Southern Mississippi and Delta State later this summer.

In addition, the Gators are playing in the Jackson Passing League.

They open the season in the Red Carpet Bowl against Louisiana power John Ehret of New Orleans.