bamatone.net

The UA System Board of Trustees will hear a resolution Friday for the establishment of the Victor Ellis Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of the late Crimson Tide linebacker.

One source of the scholarship? Ellis himself.

Through his last will and testament, Ellis contributed $33,589.99 to "provide scholarships for worthy, non-athlete students at the University of Alabama," according to the resolution set to go before trustees.

Ellis died of cancer on March 25, 2008. He was 28.

The money was the remaining balance of the fund established by friend and former teammate Ahmaad Galloway through Bryant Bank in Birmingham to help raise money for Ellis' medical care during his illness. In addition, friends and family have contributed $14,731.73 to UA in his memory.

Per conditions of the scholarship recommended by UA President Robert Witt, "Priority of consideration shall be given to students enrolled at UA who are not participating in intercollegiate athletics."

A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Ellis played for the Crimson Tide from 1998-01, totaling 145 tackles in 40 games while wearing the No. 9 jersey. He was named permanent team captain for the 2001 season.

After graduating in 2002 with a communications degree, Ellis later worked as a regional recruiter in Charlotte, N.C., for UA's admissions office.