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“I’m a changed person. I’m a changed man.”
Miami defensive tackle Gerald Willis had his first live interview in some time. As you might recall, Willis originally committed to play at Florida, but was kicked him off the team. Willis transferred to Miami and sat out a year. Then, he was suspended for the 2016 opener.
After sitting out 2017, the rhetoric and rumors from various people who cover the Canes is that Willis is a new, changed man. Kudos to him for changing his life around.
Here’s a recap of what’s been written. First the interview.
Gerald Willis says #Canes DL can be “better than last year” and the new coach is teaching “new” things that Kool didn’t and overall has a positive feeling about prospects of the D. pic.twitter.com/QwqSrpXBZ6
— Brandon Odoi (@Brandon_Odoi) April 5, 2018
Manny Diaz on Willis. Looks like Willis is refreshed and energized for the upcoming season.
Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz on Gerald Willis “he’s a new man”. “It’s the way he attacks everything, he’s a program guy now. It’s been fun to watch. He’s been best tackle all camp.” #Canes pic.twitter.com/1Heo6GDo4C
— Brandon Odoi (@Brandon_Odoi) April 5, 2018
Great stuff from Christy Chirinos Sun Sentinel.
"He's a new guy. He really is..."
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) April 5, 2018
After he took a leave of absence and missed the 2017 season, Gerald Willis is back to playing the game he loves. His Miami teammates and coaches expect big things from him. More importantly, Willis expects the same...https://t.co/wTQHQkf0tR
Here’s Alan Rubenstein from Canes Warning writing about how crucial Willis is to Miami’s defense.
Past behind him Miami DT Willis ready for big 2018 https://t.co/x9dxBd2Klw
— Canes Warning (@CanesWarningFS) April 6, 2018
Susan Miller Degnan from the Miami Herald wrote a great profile about Willis.
NEW STORY: 'Only God Can Judge Me.' This former 5-star UF Gators DT has turned his life around, @CanesFootball players & coaches say. He's 'ready to eat.' You ready, Canes fans? Meet Gerald Willis. https://t.co/yCM7ZqFzmH @HeraldSports pic.twitter.com/hPAITP4JoN
— Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) April 5, 2018
Ditto Matt Porter from the Palm Beach Post.
Miami Hurricanes say troubled DT Gerald Willis has changed. If so, he could dunk all over ACC OLshttps://t.co/aS3hr9yjYa pic.twitter.com/sFCAgnEa7X
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) April 5, 2018
It’s no question that Willis is absolutely critical to Miami’s defense in 2018 after Miami lost 5 regulars off the line. We need Willis focused and enthusiastic. Sometimes a year off helps one gain his bearings.