Time for a Justin Willis makeover

[George S. Patton]

I've think we've seen enough of our "captain" to determine that there needs to be a complete overhaul of him from a mechanical standpoint and a leadership standpoint.

I said this after the TCU game, but it's gotten worse:
1. The mechanics are poor. He's overgripping the ball, throwing behind receivers, locking onto his first read -- see the two picksix plays --continually doesn't look at the checkdown and just doesn't portray that presence to have his teammates rally around him.

2. The selfishness is incredible, especially after he got knocked in the chin. I know he wanted a penalty but there is a better way to conduct yourself than violently throwing your arm to get the official off of you and then jaw and come storming off the field. That's not competitiveness. That's stupid. He actually should have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.

3. Whoever the new coach is, I would hope he would sign a JUCO quarterback in December -- probably unrealistic -- and tell Justin the job is open, you better fight to keep it. We would then see if Justin has the stomach for the fight.

3A. And whoever is the QB coach is, he tells Justin that every day, film study starts at 5 a.m. -- be there or run wind sprints -- and study for 2 hours and be drilled constantly and then use another 2 hours (depending on class schedule) for throwing through nets at different distances. And more mechanical work.

4. Part of this problem is that Justin has been babied because he knew this offense was his after Cory Slater left and there was no competition behind him.

His game has slumped, his attitude has deteriorated and his leadership is beyond questionable.

This can be salvaged. Justin is a great talent. But he is going to have to be the one who wants to work to make this happen. If he plays like this next year under the new coach, then you are looking at a similar record.

[ponyfan84]

I agree. While he is one the most talented players SMU has seen in a long time, I can't stand to watch him. He has happy feet, tries to do too much and in the process makes a lot of mental mistakes. I hope someone does work on him this off season because right now he is our future. The new coach better make him realize he's got to step up. Good post.

[davidsmu94]

General,

Your posts have become more and more bitter as of late. We all know Justin isn't perfect, but he's just a kid.

[MiMiguys]

I totally agree. Last season Rice game was one that Willis by himself and Bennett lost.

I hear my guys talk and many of the players feel same way that Willis has not created good chemistry with the team and he is not a team leader or a team player. He is selfish and not discipline. I get the feeling at this point it's all about Willis instead of the other players combined. What a shame. I want the best for the players and their families, Want Willis to learn the best and use his God given talent the right way.

. Maybe he gets competition, He may learn how to be humble.
Yes, I blame Coaches for not putting their foot down and giving him the training he needs. But making himout that he is the one that the best is just plain nonsence. That why we loss.

If Big Daddy wants to get me, just come on because I have more blood and concussions on that field than he does.

[George S. Patton]

I'll also add this:

Whatever discipline/expectations or whatever culture the new staff brings in, they better ride Willis harder than anybody else on this team. It will send the message to the rest of the team:

"Hey, if they're doing this to him, then we're going to get it and we better step it up!"

And if Willis thinks some of the work is considered remedial, if I'm the coach, I'd tell him, "Fine, then this shouldn't be a problem for you!"

And I could give a damn what Pops867-5309 thinks.

[Stallion]

To create competition first you have to recruit quality competition. These guys on the bench(and that includes next year's QB recruits) will be lucky to ever see the field at least at the QB position. I'm serious.

[Mustangs35SMU]

General,

Your posts have become more and more bitter as of late. We all know Justin isn't perfect, but he's just a kid.

Sorry, but I must agree on the selfishness part atleast.

Granted, I haven't been to as many games as I would've liked but I've been to four. And each and everyone of them, I've seen Willis come off the field and get in the face of Bennett and jaw at him. The Southern Miss game was the worse, out of them all (that I saw).

[George S. Patton]

To create competition first you have to recruit quality competition. These guys on the bench(and that includes next year's QB recruits) will be lucky to ever see the field at least at the QB position. I'm serious.

I know what you're saying. The JUCO idea is a long shot. That's why I'm really worried about what could happen next year.

[J.T.supporta]

The REAL problem with JW is that hes trying to do WAY TOO MUCH in the offense and hes just getting careless with the ball.

Hes trying to turn a busted play into a jackpot but he cant do that and he just plain F ups...

He'll learn to take care of the ball because once the seasons officially over, there are NO starters and NO ONE is guarenteed [deleted]...

heres to hoping the new coach shakes things up ALOT

[jimhagle]

If Braden Smith comes as expected he and Turner are legit to play here. Both had very good high school careers like Justin did. Let's see how the new staff sorts through this. Willis is the starter but he has to be reigned in and I still say his throwing has not been the same since he slammed the door on it.

[MiMiguys]

I understand that Zach Rhodes is the most overlooked player, that he has great potential for being even a better QB than Willis. That he has not had the opportunity in practice or on the feild. I trust my guys in how they feel, said that Zach is a team player and is level-headed. Has capabilities to really lead the team.

[thefamousguy]

I agree. While he is one the most talented players SMU has seen in a long time, I can't stand to watch him. He has happy feet, tries to do too much and in the process makes a lot of mental mistakes. I hope someone does work on him this off season because right now he is our future. The new coach better make him realize he's got to step up. Good post.

I agree Justin has regressed but any quarterback playing behind this Offensive line, in this Offense would have happy feet.

[thefamousguy]

I understand that Zach Rhodes is the most overlooked player, that he has great potential for being even a better QB than Willis. That he has not had the opportunity in practice or on the feild. I trust my guys in how they feel, said that Zach is a team player and is level-headed. Has capabilities to really lead the team.

Glad you could join our discussion ZACH'S DAD.

[ALEX LIFESON]

That's not Zack's dad.

[ThadFilms]

That's not Zack's dad.

Definitely not.