Former Poly Standout Ellis Survives CFL Cut

The latest stop on Craig Ellis’ eight-year, continent-wide pro football odyssey looks as though it will be a successful one.

The former Poly High standout had played in just one game for the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos but performed well enough in that appearance to survive Saturday’s final roster cut to the 36-player limit.

Ellis, signed as a free agent in March, caught touchdown passes of 58 and 25 yards in a 41-10 preseason win over the Calgary Stampeders on Wednesday.

Ellis, 28, had been a running back but was shifted to slotback by the Eskimos. Under the 12-player format of the Canadian Football League, two slotbacks line up behind the line of scrimmage inside the wide receivers.

“He’s a multitalented player who can make big plays,” said Bruce Lemmerman, the Eskimos’ director of operations.

Ellis’ most prominent moment in pro football came in 1987 when he served as the Raiders’ starting tailback during the player walkout, only to be released when the strike ended. He was with the Dallas Cowboys last summer but was waived after three preseason games.

Ellis, a former San Diego State standout, also played for the Miami Dolphins in 1986 after spending four seasons with three CFL teams.

Another Valley-area player could be joining Ellis on the active roster shortly.

Former Cal State Northridge wide receiver Keith Wright was placed on the non-active roster Saturday. Under CFL rules, players on the non-active roster can still practice but cannot play in games. They receive nominal salaries and are free to sign with another team at any time.

“Keith had a good camp, but we just couldn’t put everyone on the active roster now,” Lemmerman said. “We think he’s going to make it in three to four weeks.”

Wright was also on the Eskimos’ non-active roster last season but was not activated.