Malik Willis, Liberty Football News: Draft Scout Player News

11/26/20 - QB Malik Willis, rSr/2022, Liberty

A significant portion of Liberty's offensive responsibilities fell on quarterback Malik Willis' shoulders in the season's first eight games. Each week, his maturation and understanding of Hugh Freeze's complex RPO offense developed, and he steadily evolved into a true dual-threat quarterback. The Flames flourished on offense, and Willis was at the center of a well-oiled, high-powered attack. The redshirt junior always deferred the praise sent his way. He credited his teammates for executing and the coaches for putting the players in a position to succeed. Willis didn't see himself as the one making the offense flourish. It was a collective effort. Collectively, the Flames struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball Saturday night against North Carolina State. There was no rhythm. The methodical, slow-it-down pace that worked incredibly well at Virginia Tech two weekends ago was stymied. Whenever tempo was utilized, there were mixed results.

Willis didn't see it as a collective disappointment. He never looked at a stat sheet following the 15-14 heartbreaking loss. He honestly didn't have to. Three times his passes were intercepted by the Wolfpack, and his first of two fourth-quarter picks led to the go-ahead touchdown. For all the deferring Willis has done in the good times, he placed the blame squarely on his shoulders. The same shoulders that helped lead Liberty into the FBS Top 25 polls for the first time. "I take the blame and God takes all the glory. It's all on me. I take the blame for that loss," Willis said, never hesitating or mincing his words, though the pain was evident when he spoke. "I take the blame for turning the ball over and just putting us in terrible situations when the defense was picking us up every time and the offensive line was doing their part, running backs doing their part. I've just got to take command and do what I'm supposed to do and go out there and take care of the football." - Lynchburg News and Advance

rSr/2022