DMN: SMU QB Willis Sticking with the Program
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:50 amUNIVERSITY 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
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
