Former Dog Ellis dies of cancer

ATHENS - Former Georgia fullback Alphonso Ellis, who blocked for star runners Tim Worley, Rodney Hampton and Garrison Hearst, died Friday after a lengthy battle with colon cancer, the school announced. He was 35.<br> <br> Ellis played 42 games for the Bulldogs from 1987-90. Though he rushed for just 599 yards and one touchdown during his career, he was the primary lead blocker for three of Georgia&#39;s greatest backs.<br> <br> Ellis, a native of Thomasville, died in Dallas, where he worked as a police officer.<br> <br> The cancer was discovered after Ellis kept noticing pains in his stomach in April 2000. Doctors also found a blockage in his large intestine.<br> <br> &#34;When I was diagnosed, I remember saying, &#39;OK, where do we go from here?&#39;&#34; Ellis told the Thomasville Times-Enterprise in a November interview. &#34;It didn&#39;t dawn on me that I could die.&#34;<br> <br> Thomasville Principal Bobby Smith remembered Ellis being a relentless runner who just ran over opposing defenses.<br> <br> &#34;He was a tough player and a great competitor and leader on the field and in the weight room,&#34; Smith said.