Justin Willis

[Stallion]

so is he working out with the team. Media may be giving him some understandable space which might be reason we haven't heard anything. But is he with the team?

[JackSon 3]

He was there Saturday. Looked pretty good. Seemed very upbeat.

[couch 'em]

I believe some pics of him have shown up in the coverage on ponystampede.

[Bergermeister]

But is he with the team?

Is there some reason he wouldn't be with the team?

[The PonyGrad]

From the media guide (he has stats to pad.)

Junior (2008): Played in 10 games, starting in the season fi nale against
Southern Miss… Had his best game of the year against the Golden Eagles,
catching 11 passes for 88 yards and a score… With the TD catch, tied Ramon
Flanigan for most TDs responsible-for in school history with 57… Finished the
year with 14 grabs for 143 yards; Sophomore (2007): Started all 12 games…
An honorable mention All-C-USA selection by the league’s coaches… Cowinner
of the team’s Wild Horse Club Award along with Emmanuel Sanders…
Threw for 2,944 yards and 25 TDs on 242-of-414 passing… His 25 TD passes
rank second all-time at SMU in a season to his 26-TD effort in 2006… Had
four of the all-time top 15 single-game total offense efforts in school history
– Memphis (489), UNT (435), Houston (402) and Tulane (369)… Set a
new single-season total offense record with 3,643 yards… His 2,944 yards
passing is third-best ever in a season at SMU… Became the fi rst SMU player
since 1994 to pass for over 100 yards and run for 100 yards with a 375/114
performance at Memphis in the season fi nale… Had four-passing TD games
against Arkansas State, Rice and Memphis… Had a career-long 48-yard TD
run against the Tigers as well; Freshman (2006): Picked as the Conference
USA Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches and media and the C-USA
Offensive Freshman of the Year by the Houston Chronicle… Named a thirdteam
Freshman All-American by The Sporting News… Was an All-Freshman
Conference USA pick by the coaches, the media and the Houston Chronicle…
Co-winner of the James Bradley “New Mustang” award for consistent play
along with Bryan McCann and Emmanuel Sanders… Named SMU’s Offensive
MVP… Completed 182 of 270 pass attempts on the year for 2,047 yards
with 26 TDs and just six interceptions… Had a breakout game against Sam
Houston, throwing scoring tosses to fi ve different receivers and adding a twoyard
touchdown run... Started the SHSU game by completing 13 consecutive
passes, tying the second-longest streak in school history… Finished with a
94.7 percent completion percentage (18-of-19) to set a new school mark and
tie the C-USA record... His six TDs accounted-for also tied a school record…
Followed up the SHSU win with a four-TD performance against Arkansas State
to total nine TD passes in two games, setting an SMU record for TD passes
in consecutive games… Had three 4-plus-TD-pass games (SHSU 5, ASU
4, Marshall 4), setting new SMU season and career records… Threw 26 TD
passes on the season, setting a new SMU record for TD passes in a season…
Compiled a 158.4 passing effi ciency rating to rank second in Conference USA
and 10th in the entire NCAA… His 67.4% completion rate set a new school
record… Just missed his fi rst career 300-yard game, throwing for 299 yards
against Houston… Ranked second on the team in rushing with 354 yards…
Accounted for 29 TDs (26 pass, 3 run) in 2006 - the most in SMU history
- and his 2,401 yards of total offense rank as fourth-most ever in a season at
SMU… Was responsible for 16.4 ppg, sixth-best in the entire NCAA

[PonyPride]

Yup — he has been out there every day, and although he has said he expects to be ready to go this season, it's still kind of shocking to see him running as well as he is. He looks like he might still be a bit tentative, but considering the nature of his injury, it is impressive, nonetheless.

[PlanoStang]

Stallion, don't be an @-hole.

[mr. pony]

From today:

Wideout Justin Willis
How’d things look today?
“As a team, the attitude looks great. … The defense looks super. They were getting after it in that the new 3-4 scheme. The coaches are doing a great job. On the other side, too, the offense, we looked real sharp today. We’re always going to be a little behind the defense, but as time goes on, we’re going to get more dangerous. So I think we did well today.”

Does the leg bother you at all?
“No. It’s part of my rehab session out here [at practice.] Everyday I just get that much better. I’m developing my calf. I did way better today than I did yesterday. … I’ve felt real well. No pain, so I’m just going.”

From today:

[ponyinNC]

I sincerely hope that JW gets awards after the last two seasons he has had and the trials he has gone through during his time at SMU. Just a great kid who deserves the best in life and appreciation from smu fans. Go get em jw.

[mrydel]

I can think of two very good reason why Justin might not have been with the team at this time. That said, it sounds as if he has recovered well physically and is at least outwardly ok emotionally. It shows he is a man of strong character and I applaud him and wish him continued success on and off the field. I am very glad he is back and doing well. Those that believe the question of his attendance was not worthy have never faced much adversity.

[that's great raplh]

i agree

[The PonyGrad]

Justin has already been one of the greats of SMU history if not in the win column.

He owns or is tied for first on 16 SMU records listed in the media guide.

[George S. Patton]

I think the original intent was not about his ankle but dealing with the aftermath of his father's death. If I was his coach, I would give him all the time he needs to get a handle on this emotionally as best he can and let him make the call on when he wants to come back.

Gotta admit I can never recall a player going through so many bumps as he had. What doesn't xxxx you makes you stronger. He will grow from all of this.

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

totally agree mrydel

[Junior]

well said mrydel