By Matt Slovin

mslovin@tennessean.com

Before the Vols went their separate ways for the Christmas holiday Monday, coach Butch Jones presented tight end Alex Ellis with a very special present — a scholarship.

Ellis, a redshirt junior who hadn't played for Tennessee before this season, got emotional as he unwrapped the sheet of paper from Jones that contained the good news.

"I've been dreaming about this every day of my life," Ellis said.

Ellis, a Delaware native, appeared in all 12 games this season, catching six passes for 115 yards. He was on the receiving end of a touchdown pass thrown by holder Patrick Ashford on a fake field goal in the loss to Missouri.

Below is the video of the surprise gift, courtesy of UTSports.com.