Pro Days have happened at Liberty for years, but never one like this. This day in Liberty athletics will be talked about for potential decades to come.
Malik Willis’ spectacular rise up the draft charts this offseason, through the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, solidified him as a potential QB1 in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The exposure that Willis gained brought the entire NFL to the Liberty Football Center and the Liberty Indoor Football Practice Facility.
Representatives from at least 30 NFL teams showed up to watch the workout. ESPN’s Todd McShay and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport were also in attendance. Willis’ entire throwing session was showcased live on NFL Network.
Two head coaches were in attendance as well – Mike Tomlin from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Matt Rhule from the Carolina Panthers. Four general managers were also in attendance along with a slew of general managers and quarterback coaches.
It wasn’t just Willis, however, showcased on Liberty’s Pro Day. Fifteen other Liberty seniors showed up to make a case for themselves to the NFL scouts.
“I wanted them (NFL scouts) to come to Pro Day and see my guys,” Willis said. “That was perfect, and a lot of people came. A lot of eyes were on them, and they did what they were supposed to do.”
Liberty wide receivers D.J. Stubbs and Kevin Shaa excelled on the field. Stubbs and Shaa caught several deep balls from Willis, helping to garner NFL attention. It was the first time the two had talked to NFL scouts.
Stubbs caught several passes, including one of Willis’ first deep balls of the day.
Shaa’s physical performance was dominant. He clocked an unofficial time of 4.31 on the 40-yard dash, while notching a 38-inch vertical and 14 reps on the bench.
His best moment perhaps was when Willis threw his final deep ball of the day. Willis shuffled around the pocket, darting to the left before uncorking a back shoulder ball that went over 60 yards with Shaa stretching his hands out to make the catch.
Liberty players ran to Shaa and Willis to congratulate them, while the audience cheered the sensational play.
In addition to Liberty’s seniors, Frankie Hickson (c/o 2019 RB), Jonathan Johnson (Richmond WR) and Tre Turner (Virginia Tech WR) showed up to compete.
Turner also worked out later that day at Virginia Tech’s Pro Day, but his connection with Willis stems back to the Senior Bowl.
“It was really cool,” Willis said regarding having Turner in Lynchburg. “I was definitely excited to have him. I met him at the Senior Bowl, (and) we hit it off.”
At the Senior Bowl, Turner asked to join Willis at Liberty’s Pro Day as Turner didn’t have a quarterback for his Pro Day in Blacksburg. The two met again in the NFL scouting combine, solidifying their connection on the field.
After the throwing session, Willis spoke to the media, admitting that he had dinner with Tomlin. He was surprised how down to earth Tomlin was, noting that he thought it was funny that he was just casually eating chicken wings with Tomlin.
Willis’ performances on the field and his humility off the field continue to help his draft stock. Some projections have Willis going as high as No. 2 in the draft.
Though he has not officially been invited to the NFL Draft yet, Willis mentioned that he plans on accepting the invite when it comes in.
The NFL Draft takes place in Las Vegas this year and is scheduled to begin Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. ET.
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