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Defensive end Gerald Willis stunned the bayou when he committed to Florida over LSU at the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game. I don't think Florida or Gators fans minded the surprise.
Recruitment
Willis, one of the most talented defensive players in the 2014 cycle, chose the Gators over LSU during that Under Armour game, but he was better known for his connection to fellow Edna Karr Magnet School stud Speedy Noil — the two were assumed to be a package deal to LSU, but Noil ended up with Texas A&M — and for being the brother of Alabama safety Landon Collins, who famously shocked his mother by choosing the Crimson Tide over the hometown Tigers in 2012.
Willis pulled a similar stunt, as Collins influenced the five-star defensive lineman to take his talents out of state. Willis held offers from schools across the country, most notably LSU, Texas, and Alabama, and his commitment was a coup for Florida.
Highlights
Future Impact
Gerald Willis is the one defensive line prospect in Florida's loaded 2014 I think can immediately contribute to an already deep defensive line in 2014. Willis is that talented.
The five-star has a rare combination of strength, speed, and quickness that reminds me of former Gator Dominique Easley. Willis will come in looking to play the strong side defensive end spot, but likely will see the field in a rotational capacity, and fits just fine as a five-technique defensive tackle.
No matter where he ends up on Florida's front, Willis's future is bright. Like his brother, Willis is set to make an impact at a big-time SEC program — early.
