DMN: SMU QB Willis Sticking with the Program

[MrMustang1965]

UNIVERSITY PARK – Just a few months ago, Justin Willis was the face of SMU football, for whatever that was worth.

Still, he was the player saying he would transfer if Phil Bennett didn't return for yet another season. He had earned that right as the starting quarterback for two seasons, including a record-setting freshman season that took SMU to the brink of a bowl game.

Now, he's the third-string quarterback behind a pair of freshmen: Bo Levi Mitchell and Braden Smith.

So many times we get caught up in wins and losses, hirings and firings and recruiting gossip that we sometimes forget just how few kids play professional football.

They're supposed to attend college to enhance their mind, figure out what they want to do in life and mature.

"Everything that happens in life is not something I have to like, but I have to deal with them," said Willis, who was informed Sunday night about his place on the depth chart.

"I can be a cancer on the team and be a bad person, or I can be a good person and help Bo Levi and Braden with the knowledge and experience that I've gained. It's hard, of course, but the best way to handle the situation is to support the team and keep working hard. It'll make me a better person."

Emmanuel Sanders, Willis' best friend on the team and the Mustangs' top receiver, said the quarterback wants to handle the demotion with class.

"I know Justin can play, and he knows he can play," Sanders said. "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."

None of us should really be surprised June Jones chose Mitchell. Jones has never started the season with a true freshman before, although Timmy Chang took over three games into the 2000 season.

Chang, who ran the same offense in high school, finished that season with 3,041 yards passing with 19 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

It's understandable when a coach like Jones chooses a freshman quarterback over a junior, because he's implementing a system that's based on repetition. Just about every receiver is given an option on every pass route based on whether the defense is playing man-to-man or zone, so in some ways it makes sense to choose the youngster over the veteran.

Like every coach, Jones wants his guys. Nothing wrong with that. The sooner Mitchell starts playing, the quicker he can master the system. Mitchell has the strong arm and accuracy this offense demands. Jones thinks he can provide the leadership and toughness he demands of his quarterbacks.

And don't forget Mitchell committed to Jones when the coach still wore a lei to practice. It only made sense that Jones would want to go with Mitchell, who arrived on campus with the strongest arm and a huge diamond stud.

There wasn't the slightest tinge of bitterness in Willis' voice as he thoughtfully massaged the stubble on his chin before answering questions after Tuesday morning's practice.

No one would blame him if he was bitter.

For now, Willis says he's not transferring. Says he's going to wait for opportunity and take advantage of it, when it comes.

That's not a bad thought process, because there's no guarantee Mitchell or Smith will succeed right away. It's not that Willis wants either quarterback to fail, it's that he realizes there's a chance either player could struggle making the transition from high school to college football.

"Not at this moment," said Willis, when asked if he was transferring. "SMU is where I want to be. We'll see how it plays out."

The only surprising thing is how Willis has handled the demotion. It can't be easy.

We all have egos, and he's no longer BMOC.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 0c3c4.html

[ponyte]

Give the kid credit, he handled that interview like a true gentleman.

[indianmustang]

I hope justin ,gets a chance to show his talent on field

[BUS]

From that read, nice growth being shown by J-Willis.

25 hours till graduation brother. That is the goal.

[Water Pony]

I'm impressed. Any chance, Willis would entertain another position, if he is the athlete I think he is?

[George S. Patton]

I'm proud of him for being stand-up about it. This is what you call his come-to-Jesus moment.

Edit: Good point JT on your comment below mine.

[jtstang]

Like a smart person would do, he leaves himself an out.

"Not at this moment," said Willis, when asked if he was transferring. "SMU is where I want to be. We'll see how it plays out."

[EastStang]

Remember Mike Ford who set all kinds of passing records his freshman and sophomore year, got injured, then came a new coach and a new offense, and he went to the bench. He finished at SMU.

Remember SMU provides young men and women with an opportunity for life after football which has pretty much unlimited upside. A guy who shows he has some class and gets through with a degree has a chance to have a great career after he graduates even if its not in the NFL. I think JW realizes that. Obviously if a decent 1-AA program came calling and offering a starting job tomorrow, he'd have to seriously consider it and no one would fault him for that.

[pony warrior]

Very impressive.

[Mustangsabu]

Nice to see him saying the right things. Of course the kid is going to keep his options open, but he is behaving with much more class than he did when he said he would quit if PB was fired. The kid has come a long way. I'm proud of him.

[jtstang]

Remember Mike Ford who set all kinds of passing records his freshman and sophomore year, got injured, then came a new coach and a new offense, and he went to the bench. He finished at SMU.

I think Ford went to the bench in the middle of his senior year. What choice did he have other than to just quit? Willis has options.

[SMUer]

Justin, for the way you're handling this, you deserve some props...

[Pony Soup]

I wouldn't be too surprised to see JW on the field this season, and I hope he keeps working for it.

[locostang]

Great repsonses from JW. This shows some real growth in maturity.

[lwjr]

I think Justin has done some "growing up". I would not have blamed him for transfering, but I certainly admire him for for sticking with the program. Who knows maybe something good will come out of all this.

PONY UP!
FRY RICE!