Patrick Willis

[Deltamud77]

Will P-Willy (I hate that nickname) go down as the best linebacker in Ole Miss history if he has a similar year this year as to last year? I think he may be one of the better linebackers I have ever seen play and I have watched football for a long time. I am also not an Ole Miss fan. He did not receive all the pub of linebackers like Hawk at OSU, but in a head to head comparison, I don't think Hawk or the other big names are that much, if any better. As a matter of fact, I think Willis is better but had the honor of playing on a bad team with no nationwide exposure. What do ya'll think? (Man, I can't wait for September)

[jkb87]

im not a ole miss fan either, just a fan of the sec, but i want to add a question in there for the ole miss fans to answer, who is better, p-willy of the linebacker on the cover of the book bloodfeud or however u spell it, i think his first name was eddie and last was like streud or something..........

[stitch]

I thought it was amazing watching him last year with that big "club" on his hand........Imagine what he will do this year without it.

[RebelYelp]

he also did that with a broken foot and strained MCL...... not just the broken hand

[woundedduck]

that sumbitch might kill someone this year. he is awesome. and i am an ole miss fan. a realistic ole miss fan though. i will be extremely happy with 7-4 this year.

[Deltamud77]

From what I have told and from what I have read, Willis was not some bluechip athlete. He is a diamond in the rough. The angles he takes to the ball coupled with his tackling ability are unparalled. I suspect he has good speed, but his instincts are what set him apart. The last collegiate linebacker that I remember watching that dominated games like him was Lavar Arrington at Penn State. Of course Arrington received more exposure and was a top 3 pick. I don't know that Willis has that type of athletic ability but I believe he has better instincts and may have a better pro career as his ego is not as large either. If he can get rid of the injury bug, he will be a well paid for quite some time in the NFL.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

To answer the original question, yes, I think Willis, barring serious injury this upcoming season, will wind up as one of the best (if not the best) linebackers ever to grace the field at Ole Miss. The other linebacker you are talking about is Eddie Strong, who was also a very good LB. Others would include Freddie Joe Nunn, Tony "Alligator" Bennett, Nate Wayne ---- all of whom enjoyed success in the NFL.

Had Ole Miss won more games, and made it to a decent bowl game, then Willis would have received much more exposure and awards, which would have boosted his draft status. His injuries, one of which required some minor offseason surgery and a rehab period, combined with the lack of attention, most likely caused Willis to decide to stay at UM for his senior year to improve his draft position. That first contract is very important and will set his salary for his first few years before he would qualify for free-agency. He will get attention this season, regardless of the number of wins or losses. He should be on some pre-season AA teams, and is no longer flying under the radar.

[Deltamud77]

Don't forget about Cassius "B" Ware. I saw him hit Eric Zier (I believe it was Ware) and about killed him. The fumble was run back for a touchdown. I forgot about Gator Bennett. I think injury and lack of intelligence prevented Eddie Strong from fully reaching the potential he showed in high school at SP.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

Deltamud, I could have included many more who were great on the college level at UM, but I just focused on the ones who went on to successful careers in the NFL ----since we are talking about the best of the best.

[Deltamud77]

I understand Po Monkey -- they have had some great linebackers come through the program.