Chris Ellis

Biography

In 2025, Richmond’s defense ranked among the Patriot League and FCS leaders with the help of Ellis, marking the fourth consecutive season both of the Spiders’ starting defensive ends earned all-conference recognition in Donovan Hoilette (First Team) and Camden Byrd (Second Team). Richmond led the Patriot League and ranked fourth nationally in passing defense, allowing just 155.3 yards per game, while finishing second in the conference in scoring defense at 22.7 points per game and third in interceptions with 11. The Spiders also ranked second in the Patriot League and sixth nationally in total defense, surrendering just 290.3 yards per game, and third in the league in tackles for loss at 6.1 per contest. Hoilette emerged as one of the conference’s most disruptive defenders, posting career highs with 48 tackles and 13 tackles for loss for -79 yards, while leading the team in sacks with 9.0 for -70 yards, good for third in the Patriot League and 22nd nationally. Byrd anchored the opposite end, recording 34 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss for -83 yards, and ranking second on the team in sacks with 8.5 for -66 yards, good for fourth in the Patriot League and 24th nationally, while also ranking second in the conference and 15th overall in forced fumbles with three. The defensive end unit was further strengthened by Daniel Sellers, who totaled 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss for minus 36 yards, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and two quarterback hurries, and Jamar Hodges