Nothing holds back FAMU's Willis

FAMU Rattlers head coach Joe Taylor.

Junior defensive tackle possesses an All-American mindset

Tallahassee, FL - Jerry Willis wasn't even sure he would find enough money to pay his tuition for four years at Florida A&M when he walked into the football office and pleaded for a chance to play for the team. All he had was a passion for the game, a little experience and the goodwill of his girlfriend's father. Defensive ends coach Tim Edwards saw a little bit more that he thought might benefit the team — Willis' 6-foot-4, 280-pound physique. He figured that with a little work Willis could become a contributor.

"He didn't come out there stepping over his feet," Edwards said. "It wasn't like he came out there looking all goofy. The biggest thing that caught my eye is that he isn't a big talker. He's a laid back type of guy that has that look like he is serious about what he is trying to get done."

Willis has proven to be very serious. A native of Chicago who grew up on the tough South Side of the city, Willis is in contention to earn a starting job with the Rattlers. He's already earned a full scholarship, a lot more than he expected the day he walked into coach Joe Taylor's office looking for a chance to play. Willis figured nothing that he would face on the football field would be as tough as some of the adversity that he'd faced just to stay in school.

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