Hardrick Willis, Behind the Mask

Football

Behind the Mask: All-Sun Belt DE Hardrick Willis

HARDRICK WILLIS
DE | R-Junior | Jonesboro, Ga. (Mundy's Mill H.S.) 

> Two-year starter at defensive end and two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, including second-team honors in 2020.

> Second on the team and third in the Sun Belt with 5.5 sacks (0.69 per game).

> Key contributor on a GSU defense with a school-record 32 sacks (No. 7 in FBS).

> Has helped the Georgia State defense play very well down the stretch as the Panthers have allowed averages of 18.3 points and 334.7 yards in the final four games, including wins over South Alabama and Georgia Southern and a three-point loss at App State.

"Applying pressure on the quarterback allows for our defense to gain momentum. If we're able to get sacks and tackles for loss, it puts our defense and our offense in a great position to win football games," Willis said.

> Georgia State's career leader in sacks with 11.5. Broke the GSU record, previously held by Mackendy Cheridor, with 1.5 sacks in win at South Alabama.

Willis says: "I'm the first person in my immediate family to even make it to college. So these accolades really mean a lot to myself, to this football program and to my family."

> 2020 team captain

> Earned playing time as a true freshman in 2017. After a red-shirt year in 2018, he moved into the starting lineup in 2019.

On his progression, Willis says: "I would say it's been a gradual improvement. I don't think I had any sacks my freshman year. As the years went by, I started to learn more and more about the game and more about technique and I became more comfortable with my position.

"This year, I gained weight, and I've gained experience. And I definitely got a lot stronger. When I played my freshman year, I didn't really know too much. I was just running around. I was slim, maybe 225, 230 pounds. Now I'm 260, and I'm able to better handle double teams."

> One of seven current Panthers who played in the 2017 AutoNation Cure Bowl victory over WKU.

NEXT UP:
Georgia State vs. Western Kentucky in the LendingTree Bowl (Saturday, Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Our weekly 'Behind the Mask' segment is presented by Ford. Visit buyfordnow.com to learn more.

 
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