No bowling for Willis, so ’Canes career over
CORAL GABLES Earlier this year, defensive tackle Gerald Willis III — one of Miami’s top players this season — said it was his hope, even with the NFL draft looming, that he’d play in the Hurricanes’ bowl game.
But now that won’t happen.
Willis, a redshirt senior defensive tackle who earned All-America and All-ACC honors, issued a statement through Miami on Friday afternoon saying he would skip the Hurricanes’ Dec. 27 showdown against Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl after injuring his hand.
“I just would like to start off by saying that God is awesome and that without Him and His favor over me, I could not and would not be at this point in my life,” Willis’ statement read. “After the trials and challenges I experienced early on in my college career, I am blessed to have experienced triumphs and successes this past season. Unfortunately, I suffered a hand injury and I have been advised to start rehab.
“I would like to thank my amazing and supportive family, especially my parents. Thank you to coach Al Golden for giving me a second chance. Thank you to coach Mark Richt for never giving up on me but investing in me and my emotional and mental health while also being an incredible mentor, coach and friend to me. I also have to thank coach Manny Diaz, and of course coach Jess Simpson, for putting a lot of time and effort into helping me get to where I am today.”
Willis, who earned second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, the Football Writers Association of America and Sports Illustrated, had a career-high 59 tackles and four sacks this year. He had 18 tackles for a loss, the most in the nation by a defensive tackle.
The Florida transfer missed last season after taking a leave of absence from the football team. He returned to play on the Hurricanes scout team and consistently earned praise from coaches and teammates not only for his play, but his outlook.
Before his leave of absence Willis endured a series of ups and downs throughout his college career, including multiple suspensions at UM and a dismissal from Florida after an altercation with a teammate.
This season, though, he was a stalwart for Miami, and on Friday Richt in a statement praised the player — and person — Willis has become.
“We are proud of Gerald and all he has accomplished both on and off the field,” Richt’s statement read.
“Gerald is a remarkable person who has authored a remarkable story of strength, perseverance and determination. We wish him all the best and look forward to seeing where the next steps of his journey take him.” maturation and