Football: Millville's Ennis commits to Purdue

By Phil Anastasia

Rob Ennis felt like it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

Ennis, a Millville High School junior running back, on Thursday made a verbal commitment to attend Purdue University on a football scholarship.

Ennis said he visited Purdue on Thursday and made his decision after touring the campus and talking further with head coach Darrell Hazell, a Cinnaminson High School graduate, as well as running backs coach Jafar Williams.

"I told myself that when I got an opportunity like this I wouldn't let it get by," Ennis said. "It's a chance to play in the Big Ten, a chance to play big-time football."

The 5-10, 185-pound Ennis said he was recruited as a running back. He ran for 1,509 yards as a sophomore and 1,141 yards as a junior, splitting time with fellow junior back Ryquell Armstead last season.

Ennis also had offers from Rutgers, Old Dominion, Buffalo and Bryant.

He said he was looking forward to the opportunity to play against Rutgers.

Ennis plays to major business management.

He said he made his decision in large part because of his relationship with Williams and Hazell.

"Me and coach Williams, we have developed a very close relationship in a short amount of time," Ennis said of Williams, who is a graduate of George Washington High in Philadelphia. "And coach Hazell, he reminds me of my dad. He's like a father figure."

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