 Ellis was a major force in USC's victory over then-No.3 Michigan in the 2007 Rose Bowl, recording a season-high seven tackles, a sack and a pass deflection.Following the performance, Ellis considered making the jump to the NFL in the 2007 NFL Draft but decided to come back for his senior season and would go pro in 2008; part of his decision to stay was tied to classmate and highly touted defensive lineman Lawrence Jackson.