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In his first season of playing time with the Texas A&M football team, Priest Willis turned in a solid defensive effort at corner.
Stats
Priest Willis missed four games this season with injuries. Still, he managed to be one of the most productive corners. His eight passes defended were second most on the team to Nick Harvey who played in three more games.
His lone interception came in the season opener against UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen. Willis also tallied 33 tackles and half a sack.
Recap
Like most members of the Aggie secondary, Willis’ season had scattered high points and low points. Against the Tennessee Volunteers, he posted one of his highest defensive grades (according to Pro Football Focus). He had three pass break ups in that game and three tackles.
Then there were the bad games. In particular there was one very bad play on Thanksgiving Night. Willis was badly burned on a Danny Etling touchdown pass that contributed to an ineffective defensive effort in their regular season finale.
The veteran presence that Willis played on a young defense is hard to quantify. If you could, you might point to the quick learning curve of fellow defensive teammates Deshawn Capers-Smith and Larry Pryor.
Looking Ahead
Early expectations are for Willis to come back for his senior season along with Armani Watts, who announced his intention to return via twitter recently. With Justin Evans a senior on the way out, having Willis return would be a big boost for a secondary that could use some more depth.
The secondary next year could potentially be one of the most experienced in the SEC if he does indeed return. Willis would join Watts, Harvey, Justin Dunning, and perhaps Donovan Willis on the last level of defense. That’s something worth getting excited about. First, a bowl game against the Wildcats of Kansas State.
***Sources Sports-Reference.com***
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