University of Memphis Athletics
M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1976
Thomas “Skeeter” Ellis came to Memphis in the fall of 1937 from Martin, Tennessee, where he played for C.C. Humphreys at Tennessee Junior College. The diminutive running back would be instrumental in rebuilding the Tiger football program. With his broken field running abilities, Ellis helped the Tigers to a 3-3-2 record in 1937 and set the stage for Memphis’ only undefeated and untied season in school history. In 1938, Memphis posted a 10-0-0 record and led the nation in scoring according to the Associated Press. Ellis, who had an 82 yard touchdown run against Delta State to insure an 8-0 win over the Statesmen, was leading the nation in scoring with 79 points when he was injured and missed a part of the ‘38 season. Following the season, Memphis was offered the first bowl invitation in school history. The Tigers were invited to California to play San Jose in the Prune Bowl but with no financial guarantee, the school declined the invitation. A member of the T-Club, Ellis was the vice-president of the student body as a senior.
