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QB Malik Willis, TEN (1 Viewer)

Lehigh98

Footballguy
Seeing his name pop up in too-early 2022 mocks so figured it was time for a thread...

Willis attended Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia before transferring to Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia for his senior year. As a senior, he passed for 2,562 yards and rushed for 1,033 yards with 37 total touchdowns. He committed to Auburn University to play college football.

Willis spent 2017 and 2018 at Auburn and played in 15 games. During the two years, he completed 11 of 14 passes for 69 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 309 yards and two touchdowns.

Willis transferred to Liberty University in 2019 and sat out the season due to transfer rules. In 2020, he was named the team's starting quarterback. Against Southern Mississippi, Willis threw for six touchdowns and rushed for another. He led Liberty to a 10 win season and a final Top 25 ranking in both the AP Poll and the Coaches' Poll.

QB KLASSROOM: LIBERTY QB MALIK WILLIS VS CCU
 
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2022 NFL draft: Who is the next quarterback riser? (usatoday.com)

Malik Willis, Liberty

It might be stretching the definition of “riser” to include Malik Willis in this piece, as there are many “way too early mock drafts” that include the Liberty quarterback in the first round. Still, if you have not studied Willis, you need to change that immediately. After starting his career at Auburn he transferred to Liberty for the 2020 season and took over as the Flames’ starting quarterback. In ten games he completed 64.2% of his passes for 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions, and he led Liberty to a win over Coastal Carolina in the Cure Bowl. In that game he threw a pair of interceptions, but he also ran for 137 yards and four touchdowns. He is athletic with a big arm and is unafraid to challenge any window, making him perhaps the ideal quarterback for the modern NFL.

 
Liberty QB Malik Willis could be next 'breakout' quarterback (distinctathlete.com)

Liberty QB Malik Willis could be next ‘breakout’ quarterback

Distinct Athlete 

May 3, 2021

Coming into the 2020 college football season, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson wasn’t on anyone’s radar as a future first-round pick, but he had a tremendous season and wound up becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. When looking for a quarterback who could do the same thing in the 2021 season, it might be worth keeping an eye on Liberty’s Malik Willis.

Following last weekend’s draft, FOX Sports’ Bruce Feldman spoke to some people around college football about which signal caller could be the next Zach Wilson. Willis’ name came up quite a bit, and quarterback guru Quincy Avery says he’s never seen an arm quite like his.

“He has the strongest arm of anybody I have ever seen,” Avery said, per Feldman.

An anonymous former Group of Five defensive coordinator, who has faced Willis in his career, explained why it was so tough to stop the Liberty quarterback. Not only is he a threat to throw it over everyone’s head, but he can also be hard to slow down once his legs get churning as well. The coach even drew a direct comparison to Wilson himself.

“He has a cannon, makes smart decisions, knows when to run and throw it,” the anonymous defensive coordinator told Feldman. “Really tough to tackle to be honest. He was the best one I faced in my years (there), him and Zach Wilson.”

Coming out of high school as a three-star recruit and the 247Sports Composite’s No. 21 athlete in the 2017 signing class, Willis enrolled at Auburn. In two years with the Tigers, Willis attempted just 14 passes and transferred out of the program following the 2018 season.

Last fall was Willis’ first season starting for the Flames, and he played at a high level. In 2020, Willis completed 64.2% of his passes for 2,250 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also showed off his dual-threat ability with 944 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Another season in Hugh Freeze’s offense could help him elevate his play even more.

In projecting the top 25 quarterbacks in the 2021 college football season, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford put Willis at No. 12. Crawford noted that Willis and a couple other quarterbacks still have some work to do in order to show NFL teams that they have what it takes to play at the next level.

“Malik Willis, an Auburn transfer, managed 34 total touchdowns and over 3,000 yards of total offense as Hugh Freeze’s best player with the Flames,” Crawford wrote. “Which of these guys will be the best NFL prospect? There’s a lot of football to be played before projecting that.”

 
A Way-Too-Early Look at the Potential 2022 NFL Draft QB Class

Trey Lance showed that small-school quarterbacks can get drafted early, getting selected No. 3 overall on Thursday after starring at North Dakota State. Malik Willis has a chance to follow in Lance's footsteps by becoming a first-round pick out of Liberty.

The Flames made the leap from competing in the FCS to the FBS as an independent in 2018, giving Willis another chance to show what he can do against tougher competition.

The Auburn transfer became a full-time starter in 2020 after sitting out the previous campaign because of NCAA transfer rules, going off for 2,250 passing yards with 20 touchdowns to six interceptions and adding another 944 yards and 14 scores on the ground.

Willis would be one of the best overall athletes in the 2022 draft class at any position. While he's not an ideal size for a pro-style quarterback at 6'1", 215 pounds, he is clearly comfortable running an offense and shouldn't have much trouble making the leap to the NFL.

If Willis is drafted by a franchise that is willing to unlock all of his talents through its scheme, he has Rookie of the Year potential written all over him.   

 
2022 NFL Draft: Rattler, Howell and the top 5 quarterbacks, ranked (fansided.com)

#5 - MALIK WILLIS  - QB Liberty Flames

Malik Willis could be the best small-school candidate to crack the top 32

There are a few Group of 5 quarterbacks who could be first-round picks. While Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder and Nevada’s Carson Strong are quality candidates for this distinction, it would be foolish to overlook Malik Willis over at Liberty. The Flames could be a candidate to come out of the Group of 5 this year like Ridder’s Bearcats did a season ago. Hugh Freeze will coach Willis up.

Willis is the 2022 version of Trey Lance, the smaller school prospect who dazzles. Of course, Lance may have the higher ceiling of the two, but Willis was a former Power 5 quarterback from his initial run at Auburn. He played at the same Georgia high schools that gave us Cam Newton and Xavier McKinney.

 
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The ridiculously early 2022 NFL mock draft | Touchdown Wire (usatoday.com)

#2 Overall - Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Ok this might seem spicy for a few reasons…

The Detroit Lions passed on the quarterback position with their first selection in the 2021 NFL draft, adding young and talented offensive tackle Penei Sewell. That likely means Jared Goff has at least one season to prove himself as the starter in Detroit.

But if the Lions are picking where odds-makers believe they will be, then the Goff experiment likely has come to a sudden, and disappointing, conclusion. If the Houston Texans indeed address the pass rush, that could give general manager Brad Holmes his choice of quarterbacks. While many point to UNC’s Sam Howell or Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler as the likely QB1 right now, there is a case to be made for Liberty’s Malik Willis. Allow Bruce Feldman to open the argument:

"“He has the strongest arm of anybody I have ever seen.” Quincy Avery, who has worked with a bunch of NFL QBs, including Trey Lance, the guy with the biggest arm in this draft, is one of many raving about the potential of Malik Willis"

There is a lot of football to be played, but Willis could certainly be the next QB riser, perhaps all the way to the Motor City. If he takes another big step forward, Willis could indeed put himself in QB1 contention.

 
Way Too Early 2022 NFL Mock Draft: A Run on Quarterbacks in the Top Ten - The NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated: The Leading Authority on the NFL Draft

#1 Overall - Houston Texans: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The Texans are reportedly coming to the end of the Deshaun Watson era. To replace the star passer, Houston selects arguably the 2022 NFL Draft class’s top signal-caller. Malik Willis has the ideal traits to thrive as a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL. His high-level running ability, strong arm and consistent ball placement should translate to the league immediately.

 
🤷‍♂️ could be interesting and he has talent, but leaving Auburn largely because he couldn't beat out two scrubs doesn't exactly scream future elite QB. 

Sure, transfers can and have made it big in the NFL. Most of those transfer to better colleges than Liberty. (Coach made the difference here, but still)

 
The Liberty University football program is no joke. If a kid from North Dakota State can make it in today's NFL, I'll bet a kid from Liberty can, as well.

 
The Liberty University football program is no joke. If a kid from North Dakota State can make it in today's NFL, I'll bet a kid from Liberty can, as well.
🤷‍♂️ Of course they can. One of my all time favorite players played at Alcorn State. I'm just skeptical, and leaving Auburn after being outplayed by two scrubs is a reason to pause for a moment before jumping on the bandwagon.

 
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https://youtu.be/CsevIr2Ocj4

Highlights. 

Odds to be No. 1 pick in 2022, per @DKSportsbook 

💰 Sam Howell +225 

💰 Spencer Rattler +300

💰 Kayvon Thibodeaux +450

💰 Malik Willis +750

💰 Matt Corral +1000

💰 JT Daniels +1000

💰 Brock Purdy +1000

💰 Kedon Slovis +1200

 
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Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis completed 13-of-18 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns, and added 22 carries for 90 yards and a score in Liberty's 21-13 win over Troy.

Dual threat extraordinaire, Willis was great again against Troy. Willis completed his first eight passes in a row which included 32 and two yard touchdowns. The first was a perfectly placed ball along the sideline to a wide open Demario Douglas, and the second was a simple play action toss on 4th-and-2. 

As good as Willis looked slinging it though, the real magic was in his legs. Willis showed off his speed and wiggle time and time again, on scrambles and designed runs. He constantly beat defenders to the edge or juked them out of their shoes. His best run was on an important 4th-and-3, where Willis ran right, got completely stopped with a defender's hand on him, broke the tackle and reversed field to convert. 

Willis is turning heads with his performances, and will have another chance to boost his NFL draft stock next Saturday against Old Dominion. 

Sep 11, 2021, 11:09 PM ET

 
ESPN's Mel Kiper says Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis will "be in the mix to be the No. 1 quarterback in this class if he keeps playing like this."

Willis is completing 71% of his passes on 9.7 YPA with a 7/0 TD/INT ratio while leading the country in Total QBR. He's also rushed for 225 yards and four more scores. Per Kiper, Willis "looks improved from his excellent 2020 season" and his completions are not "dinking and dunking down the field," rather Willis is "making NFL throws." Next up for Willis is a pair of challenging road games at Syracuse and UAB. And circle Nov. 6 on your calendar -- that's the day Liberty travels to Oxford to face Ole Miss.

SOURCE: ESPN

Sep 23, 2021, 11:51 AM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis threw for 287 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-19 passing while rushing for 144 yards and two scores in a 36-12 thrashing on Saturday of UAB.

Another impressive effort from Willis, albeit one where he was better with his wheels than his arm. That's a compliment to the latter over an insult to the former. He routinely ran through or by the UAB defenders, and made plenty of plays with his right arm, as well. Willis (6'1/215) is getting QB1 talk as of late, and justifiably so. In the meantime, he has Liberty 4-1 on the season, and he'll have a chance to continue his impressive play next Saturday against Middle Tennessee. 

Oct 2, 2021, 10:31 PM ET

 
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper ranked Liberty senior QB Malik Willis as his number one 2022 quarterback prospect in his latest article.

Willis (6'1/215) excelled in Liberty's 36-12 victory over UAB, throwing for 287 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 144 yards and another two touchdowns on the ground. He moved up to first place in QBR and has yet to throw an interception all year. Kiper cites his maturation as a passer and his ability to avert miscues as the primary reasons for why he bumped Willis ahead of Matt Corral in his 2022 NFL Draft ranks. It will be interesting to see what happens when Willis and Corral face off on November 6 in what could be a matchup of the top-two quarterbacks taken in next year's draft.

SOURCE: ESPN

Oct 6, 2021, 8:39 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis was named the best quarterback in college football by Pro Football Focus.

Willis (6'1/215) being the top quarterback according to Pro Football Focus should be no surprise. He is the most dynamic quarterback in the country with his natural arm talent and rushing ability. Willis sport an FBS leading 94.1 PFF grade and a 13.1% big-time throw rate, which is four percentage points higher than second place on the list. Liberty host Middle Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon.

SOURCE: PFF

Oct 7, 2021, 3:15 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis and the Flames down Middle Tennessee, but the opposing defense got its fair share of takeaways off of the signal-caller.

Liberty QB Willis (6'1/215) has been heralded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft class and has had no shortage of impressive plays -- something that continued in the Flames' 41-13 rout of Middle Tennessee. But he also had his mistakes. By the time the clock hit double zeroes, Willis had completed 17-of-30 passes for 222 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, also carrying the ball 16 times for 80 yards with one touchdown. Willis and the team clearly got the job done in dominant fashion, though those three interceptions came after Willis hadn't thrown an interception all season.

Oct 9, 2021, 7:07 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis completed 16-of-28 passes for 135 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions along with 153 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in a 31-28 loss against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday night.

While Willis (6'1/215) led the Flames to a quick 14-0 lead, he had a rough day through the air. Willis threw two interceptions in the first half with the second one leading to a game-tying touchdown. His struggles through the air helped contribute to the Warhawks running off 28 consecutive points. Willis led the Flames back with a 53-yard touchdown run to tie the game halfway through the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Willis threw the game-ending interception to give Liberty a loss as a 32.5 point favorite. They will try to rebound next week when they take on North Texas on Saturday

Oct 16, 2021, 10:22 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis completed 12-of-18 passes for 222 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions as Liberty defeated North Texas 35-26.

There was a scary moment in the second quarter for Willis (6'1/215) in this one after Willis left in the second quarter with a left foot injury, and appeared to have even left the stadium at one point. Liberty trailed 7-0 heading into the second quarter of this one, having not even attempted a pass in the first quarter. Once Liberty did decide to throw, Willis immediately went 3-for-3 on a drive that resulted in 55 passing yards and one touchdown to wide receiver Kevin Shaa. Willis led an inspiring comeback following his return, when he found wide receiver CJ Daniels on a 20-yard touchdown pass to put the Flames within a score, and later connected with running back Shedro Louis on a 37-yard pass to put the game out of reach. Now sitting at 6-2 on the season, Liberty will look to win its second straight game next Saturday when UMass comes to town.

SOURCE: Box Score

Oct 23, 2021, 7:57 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis went to a medical facility after suffering a foot injury against North Texas.

Willis (6'1/215) left in the second quarter after suffering a left foot injury. He was taken to the locker room and then transported to a local medical facility. He would later return to the game and stage a late comeback to beat North Texas 35-26. Willis continues to impress NFL scouts and he's becoming a player teams are looking at in the April draft. With this foot injury, we'll have to see if this impends his dynamic ability to run. His 643 rushing yards lead all FBS quarterbacks. Liberty will host UMass next Saturday.

SOURCE: Damien Sordelett

Oct 24, 2021, 8:45 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis said on Wednesday that he feels good after having received treatment on his left foot ahead of Saturday's game against Massachusetts.

Willis (6'1/215) suffered a scare in last week's 35-26 win over North Texas. Willis exited the game, and appeared to have gone to the locker room and perhaps even left the stadium with medical staff before ultimately returning and leading Liberty to a comeback against the Mean Green. According to Willis, he feels good heading into this Saturday's matchup against UMass (1-6), as Liberty seeks out its seventh win on the season.

SOURCE: Damien Sordelett on Twitter

Oct 27, 2021, 4:41 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis completed 16-of-25 passes for 173 yards and three interceptions in a 27-14 loss to Ole Miss this Saturday.

While Willis (6'1/215) has a ton of NFL-potential and other-worldly athleticism, he was once again exposed to have some deficiencies when it comes to his decision making, throwing three interceptions in a game for the third time in his last three contests. He stared down his receivers far too frequently and has yet to prove that he can throw accurately on the run, instead preferring to try and run when flushed from the pocket. In his defense, Willis was under siege from the Ole Miss defensive line that sacked him nine times and pressured him several more, but his 71 rushing yards were not enough to make up for his lack of pocket presence. Liberty is on bye next weekend before taking on Louisiana at home on November 20.

Nov 6, 2021, 6:03 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks on the ground in college football this season.

Willis (6'1/215) is well-known in this draft for both what he can do as a passer and a runner. So far this year, Willis has completed 66.7% for 1,986 yards with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also has 126 carries for 684 yards and nine touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Willis has the highest rushing quarterback grade this season (93.8), ahead of UNC's Sam Howell (91.3).

Nov 4, 2021, 3:41 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis throw for 162 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions on 14-of-34 passing in a 42-14 loss to Louisiana on Saturday. 

Willis also added 28 yards on the ground, as he was unable to get anything going against the Louisiana defense. Accuracy was a big issue for the 6-foot-1, 215-pound dual-threat, and he wasn't exactly getting the ball downfield as seen in his 4.8 YPA. When Willis is on, he's electric, but his struggles in November are going to give decision-makers pause. He'll get at least one more chance to impress next week when the Flames take on Army. 

Nov 20, 2021, 7:33 PM ET

 
Month ago it felt like if he continued to play well his stock would be going up and he’d be in the shout for highest drafted QB in next draft, considering his physical tools. Feels like it’s been going the other way though and he’s fading 

 
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Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis completed 24-of-46 passes for 305 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in Saturday’s 31-16 loss to Army.

Willis (6'1/215) is one of the top prospects going into the 2022 draft, but he's had a rough couple of games, and that continued this week against a good Army defense. One of the better run defenses in the country, they needed to keep him one-dimensional, and they accomplished it as they held Willis to just 37 rushing yards and a couple of big tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Willis threw a touchdown to Noah Frith early in the third quarter, but Army still held a three-touchdown lead. Willis was finally able to break through on the ground with a garbage time rushing touchdown in the last seconds of the fourth quarter. It's certainly been a rough last stretch for Liberty as they end the season with three straight losses. Willis and the Flames will wait for their fate in the bowl season, and he'll have one more go before he begins his road to the NFL

Nov 27, 2021, 3:53 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis has been invited to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl.

Willis (6'1/215) is one of the top quarterback prospects going into the 2022 draft. His strong arm and ability to run at will have people comparing him to Jalen Hurts. The quarterback class is said to be not as deep as in recent years, but some believe he can be dynamic in the right system. He finished the season passing for 2,626 yards with 12 touchdowns and rushing 820 yards and 11 touchdowns.

SOURCE: Reese's Senior Bowl

Nov 28, 2021, 7:53 PM ET

 
Liberty redshirt senior QB Malik Willis completed 13-of-24 for 231 and three touchdowns, along with eight rushes for 58 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-20 win over Eastern Michigan on Sunday.

Willis (6'1/215) had a true up and down season for the Flames this season, but he ended his college career with a bang. His first touchdown pass gave the Flames the lead that they wouldn't relinquish. On his first touchdown pass, Willis dropped back, evaded the pressure like peak Warren Moon, walking backward and launching a perfect post route 45 yards downfield for an easy touchdown. He threw two touchdowns and ran for two more, exhibiting why so many draft analysts are excited about his pro potential.

Dec 19, 2021, 11:26 AM ET

 
I liked what I saw against EMU. He's got the tools, he is just a bit sloppy with his accuracy. Also he likes to take risks which can be both a positive and a negative. It feels like Jalen Hurts is the best comp for him. 

 
I liked what I saw against EMU. He's got the tools, he is just a bit sloppy with his accuracy. Also he likes to take risks which can be both a positive and a negative. It feels like Jalen Hurts is the best comp for him. 
Maybe, but my biggest concern with him remains. Inconsistency and poor competition. You can get away with some bad plays when you’re playing second rate teams but that doesn’t play well in the NFL. I was glad to see my alma matter in a bowl game and to see one of the interesting prospects but he didn’t change my mind.  I wouldn’t take him until the 3rd round. He’ll be Gone by then (similar to Jordan love?). Best case, he goes to Tampa and learns from the GOAT for a couple years. 

 
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Maybe, but my biggest concern with him remains. Inconsistency and poor competition. You can get away with some bad plays when you’re playing second rate teams but that doesn’t play well in the NFL. I was glad to see my alma matter in a bowl game and to see one of the interesting prospects but he didn’t change my mind.  I wouldn’t take him until the 3rd round. He’ll be Gone by then (similar to Jordan love?). Best case, he goes to Tampa and learns from the GOAT for a couple years. 
Yeah but in return his team wasn't good. He didn't have playmakers, his OL got dominated most of the year. He had to put the team on his back, take lots of risks, etc. He is absolutely inconsistent but he can make plays as well. He throws a nice deep ball. Jordan Love isn't a bad comparison except Willis brings a serious rushing attack with him. He's got way more athleticism than Love. 

 
I mean look where Lance went and he played 1 season of non D1 football and then sat out a whole year. Though maybe Lance's lack of time this year hurts the perceptions of Willis. 

 
I mean look where Lance went and he played 1 season of non D1 football and then sat out a whole year. Though maybe Lance's lack of time this year hurts the perceptions of Willis. 
meanwhile, mac Jones is starting for a top contender and Lance hasn’t done squat. 
Imagine SF with chase right now. 
(I know, it’s one year, things can very well change in another year or two)

 
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meanwhile, mac Jones is starting for a top contender and Lance hasn’t done squat. 
Imagine SF with chase right now. 
(I know, it’s one year, things can very well change in another year or two)


Is there a Mac Jones in this draft?

Would Mac Jones be playing over Jimmy G if they were both in SF? 

What really matters is how Lance and Mac look in a year or 2. I think most people acknowledged that Lance needed development. 

 
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