Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Leaner Willis grateful for another chance
love all these guys – but [Gerald Willis] has a special place right now. I don’t know how to say it, but he has got his life on track in a really positive way,” Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said. “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 [defensive line 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.”
Added offensive lineman Tyler Gauthier, who is among those tasked with trying to contain Willis during practice, “’G’ is an incredible player. He comes out everyday and he does what he does. He comes out here, 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, a fourth move. So it’s amazing to have ‘G’ back and I can’t wait to see what he does this year.”
One of the reasons Willis believes he can be more effective these days is the work he’s done to become leaner and faster. He says he has cut his body-fat percentage from 30 to 22. And though he has gained weight, going from 285 to 300 pounds, it’s been the kind of muscle he knows he needs.
Considering his first game back will be against likely familiar faces from Louisiana and in front of family and friends who make the drive from New Orleans to Arlington, Texas, Willis is determined to have an impact against the Tigers — and beyond.
And he is hoping his journey will inspire some of his younger teammates as they transition to the demanding, challenging world of college football.
“Just don’t give up and don’t take it for granted. I almost took it for granted. Ball is my life. It’s my ticket, you know? I told them, just keep grinding. Don’t let the coaches or nobody get down on you. Just keep going,” Willis said. “Life’s a blessing. I have friends, family members that are in jail, to this day. I’m in a perfect spot. Like coach said, I play for Miami. You’re living right, you’re living good. It’s just a blessing to be here.”