A little more than two weeks away from the start of Liberty’s 2021 season, ESPN’s Todd McShay is taking an early look at the top stars who are draft -eligible in 2022.
In his first ranking of the top 50 NFL draft prospects, Liberty’s Malik Willis checks in at No. 7. He trails only Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler, who checks in at No. 1, North Carolina QB Sam Howell, LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, and Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam.
“Willis terrific at extending plays and keeping his eyes downfield outside the pocket,” McShay said of the Liberty quarterback. “His off-platform throws have plenty of ‘wow’ factor, as he gets the ball out from various release points with velocity and hits tight windows. After transferring from Auburn and sitting out 2019, Willis threw for 2,260 yards, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions last season, and his 78.7 QBR ranked 16th in the country. But his production on the ground truly amazed, as he rushed for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. November games against Ole Miss and Louisiana will be big in his evaluation.”
Willis helped lead Liberty to a 10-1 record in the shortened 2020 season, ending the year with a dramatic bowl victory over Coastal Carolina. He also helped lead Liberty to two wins over ACC foes in Syracuse and in-state opponent Virginia Tech. The two wins made Liberty the first non-Power 5 team to post a pair of wins over ACC schools in the same season since Houston in 2015. Liberty finished the 2020 campaign ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press poll and No. 18 in the Amway Coaches Poll, the highest ever ranking for the Flames as an FBS program.
Liberty is scheduled to begin the 2021 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Flames have won 11 straight games inside the friendly confines of Williams Stadium on the Mountain.
