As flattering as the scholarship offers were that came pouring in, Devin Ellison never felt overwhelmed or pressured to make a decision. The focus remained on what was best for him.

Attention to detail on what was being preached and offered to him enabled the Monterey Peninsula College receiver to have a better perspective on where the next stop in his journey would take him.

“It was about what the school had to offer and what kind of plan they had for me,” Ellison said. “Is the offense a good fit for me? Will I be put in a position to help the team win games? Will I grow as a player?”

The 22-year-old has committed to Washington State, turning down an offer from nationally-ranked Boise State.

“It wasn’t difficult at all,” Ellison said. “I felt Washington State was the best fit for me. The coaching staff has a plan for me. Their goal is to change the program and win some games. I want to be a part of that.”

One of two schools — along with Oregon State — to not abandon the Pac 12 last season, Washington State opened the season by going 8-1 before dropping its last four, including a 35-32 decision to Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

The Cougars are going through a coaching changeafter Jake Dickert left for Wake Forest, hiring Jimmy Rogers on Dec. 28.

“It’s a great set up for Devin,” MPC coach Ronnie Palmer said. “The work he’s put in the last two years has paid off. He’s made a lot of people around him better.”

While the Cougars played an independent schedule last year, they had notable wins over Washington, Fresno State and San Jose State, three teams that took part in bowl games this past season.

“When I got there for my visit, I knew Washington State was going to be my home and that’s where I wanted to be,” Ellison said. “It’s all about the college in Pullman. I loved the community, the people.”

The 6-foot-2,195-pound Ellison was a highlight reel last fall for MPC, leading the state in touchdown catches with 16, despite not seeing the field in the second half in a handful of games for the four-time conference champions.An electrifying kick returner as well with sub 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, Ellison finished with 45 catches for 838 yards, averaging 18.3 yards each time he touched the ball.

“His stats could have doubled if we left him in,” Palmer said. “The goal was to go 1-0 each week. Devin understood the assignment. There was a lot of talent in that receiving group that earned reps and deserved to play. Devin was a great teammate.”

Ellison, who returned to his family’s home outside Atlanta to make his decision, began his collegiate career at Southern University in Baton Rouge before transferring to MPC two years ago, sitting out his first season because of academics.

“It was random,” said Ellison of his decision to come to MPC. “I was looking for a (community college). I felt God led me to MPC. I took a chance. I knew what I could bring to the team. So I stayed, got my grade point average up to 3.5.”

While spending a year just practicing 2,500 miles from home had its challenges, Ellison grew to have a deeper appreciation for the game and how much football meant to him.

“Washington State is going to get a kid that’s hungry and competitive,” Palmer said. “He’s a kid that’s battle-tested. He’s very mature. He’ll come in and be able to play and contribute immediately to the program.”

Prior to making Friday’s decision, Ellison also took official visits to Hawaii, Boise State, the University of Central Florida and the University of Texas El Paso.

“I just felt Washington State was so authentic and truthful,” Ellison said. “I can come in here and earn a spot and help them win games. They want me to be the face of the program. I’m excited to get started. It’s another step forward.”

A communications major, Ellison reflected on his time at MPC, the memories of going undefeated, winning a state bowl game, the early morning workouts, as well as the friendships established with his teammates and coaches.

“The most valuable lesson that I’ll take with me is to be a teammate,” Ellison said. “It plays a big part in football. You have to play for the guy next to you.”