In three years as the starter at defensive end for Charleston Southern, Anthony Ellis totaled 156 tackles, 24 1/2 sacks, and 52 tackles for a loss — leading the Big South in the latter category each season.

Ellis was so dominant for the Buccaneers that he earned Big South Defensive Player of the Year honors after both his junior and senior seasons — and was recently named an All-American by the Associated Press and STATS.

But with college in the rear-view mirror and pro aspirations receiving his full attention, the 6-foot-1, 245-pound Ellis is entertaining the thought of leaving the defensive side of the ball.

“I’ll play anything,” he says. “But I think I’d fit best at fullback.”

The late transition to the offensive backfield isn’t altogether out of the ordinary. New England Patriots fullback James Develin spent his college career on the Brown defensive line. Dallas Cowboys fullback Keith Smith led the FBS in tackles while starring at inside linebacker for San Jose State.

There’s precedent and Ellis knows it.

“If they need somebody at any position, I’m the guy,” he says. “It doesn’t matter to me, as long as I’m doing what I love.”

Charleston Southern’s star defender will take his place along the defensive line at least one more time in his career, on Sunday at the Tropical Bowl. But his resume, athleticism, and willingness to play where he’s needed, virtually ensures that he’ll be lining up somewhere at an NFL training camp this summer.

“I’m proud I came this far,” Ellis says. “I’ve overcome a lot of stuff and I’m still going strong, without a doubt.”