Willis Ready for Redemption in Senior Season
By David Villavicencio
HurricaneSports.com
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – What a difference a year makes.
In August 2017, Gerald Willis was focused on himself. Football took a backseat to life and the mauling defensive lineman turned his attention from chasing quarterbacks to getting things in order off the field.
Willis was away from the team during last year’s fall camp, returning as a member of the scout team once the season began. His talent and natural ability were undeniable and he was named Scout Team Player of the Year after a daily assault on Miami’s offensive line in practices over the course of the season.
“He’s one of the most intense competitors we’ve got,” Miami head coach Mark Richt said. “Just like we talked about, he was on scout team all of last year. All last year. He just terrorized everybody every day. He could have moped and pouted because [he] was on the scout team for this or that reason, but he didn’t. He brought it every day. And now he can bring it for real, with his defensive teammates, and he’s just so excited. I’m just super proud of him.”
With his life outside the gridiron back on track, Willis officially rejoined the roster for spring practiceand was able to fully focus on football again. He earned the praise of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who dubbed Willis Miami’s top defensive tackle, and he has gained the trust of Richt, the coaching staff and his teammates.
“I do love them all – I love all these guys – but ‘G’ has a special place right now,” Richt said. “I don’t know how to say it, but he has got his life on track in a really positive way. He was doing things that weren’t the way they were supposed to be, in all areas. He took ownership of it. He did what he had to do to get right. And now, he truly is one of our leaders. You’ve got Coach [Jess] Simpson coaching him for the first time, and he’s like, ‘This guy is unbelievable. This guy is awesome.’ He knows nothing but the new ‘G.’ I’m just really proud of him.”
“The new ‘G'” is an imposing figure on the Canes’ defensive line and he is grateful for the support he has been given at Miami. The Louisiana native is preparing to make the most of his final collegiate season and he is especially eager to open the season against LSU on Sept. 2 in Dallas.
“It’s been a blessing,” Willis said of his return to football. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now and to be opening up against my home town… I’m just ready and ready to ball.”
Willis last played in a game in 2016, recording 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in nine games.He is eager to showcase his playmaking ability this season and hopes to do so from the first snap of the season.
“I haven’t set any goals, but I just want to ball against LSU because it’s my hometown,” Willis said. “I just really want to compete for the fans and give them a show.”
Take one look at Willis and you can see he is ready to make a major impact in his redshirt senior season. He has worked with director of football performance Kyle Bellamy and Miami’s strength and conditioning staff to transform his body, making an already physically-gifted player even stronger, leaner and more explosive.
“I think two years ago my body percentage was at 30 and now I’m at 20 or 22,” Willis said. “It’s been a big improvement and Kyle has really helped me out with that. I gained weight, last year I was 285 and 30 percent body fat and now I’m 300 and 22 percent body fat.”
“I got my body right and got it to where I wanted it to be,” Willis said. “I got my relationships right with my family. I’m a better person. I’m just ready to ball and play football.”
For decades, Miami football has been known for its tight-knit brotherhood. Willis’ return to the team provides a boost on the field and means the Canes football family is whole again.
“I love ‘G.’ I missed him, the whole year he was out,” linebacker Michael Pinckney said. “He’s a big addition to our team, our defense. I’m just excited for him, to get back on the field and see what he can do this season.”
All-ACC center Tyler Gauthier spent all of 2017 facing Willis in practice every day. Their daily battles helped both players elevate their game and Gauthier knows first-hand the type of impact Willis can make for the Hurricanes this season.
“‘G’ is an incredible player,” Gauthier said. “He comes out every day and he does what he does. He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s strong…he can beat you with an arsenal of moves. If you beat him on his first move, he’s got a second move, a third move and a fourth move. It’s amazing to have ‘G’ back and I can’t wait to see what he does this year.”
Willis has big shoes to fill, as Miami is replacing both starting defensive tackles from a year ago. He also knows there are huge expectations for the Canes after their defense proved to be one of the best in the country a year ago. But past success does not guarantee future excellence and Willis is ensuring that the Canes handle all the hype surrounding them the right way.
“We’re handling them really well,” Willis said. “That’s why we come out here to practice and ball. We ball until we fall. Coach [Manny] Diaz is giving us a higher standard so that way we come out here and compete every day.”
While Willis hopes the 2018 season is filled with victories for the Hurricanes, he realizes that he is already a winner.
“Life is a blessing,” Willis said. “I have friends and family members that are in jail, but now I’m in a privileged spot. Coach says I play for Miami so I’m living right and I’m living good. It’s a blessing to be here.”
