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2021 NFL Draft: Malik Willis another prospect on the rise

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 17, 2020; Syracuse, NY, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis (7) scores on a touchdown run in the first half during a game against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Nett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2020; Syracuse, NY, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis (7) scores on a touchdown run in the first half during a game against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Nett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik Willis is a 2021 NFL Draft prospect on the rise.

The 2021 NFL Draft is slowly filling up (potentially) with a lot of intriguing quarterback prospects. One of the most fascinating players in the country so far in the 2020 season — regardless if he rides this momentum to the 2021 NFL Draft — is Liberty’s Malik Willis.

Willis is a transfer from Auburn who has taken the reins of the Liberty offense this year, and is putting them firmly on the map.

Liberty is ranked 21st in the country as of the time of this writing, and they have an unblemished 8-0 record thanks largely to the emergence of their star quarterback with legitimate Heisman hopes.

Willis is loading up his 2020 resume with highlight-reel throws and runs.

For his overall body of work, Willis is completing just under 68 percent of his passes this year with 15 passing touchdowns, only one interception, and nine rushing touchdowns to go along with 700 rushing yards.

He’s proven to be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, but will he ride this success all the way to the NFL?

It’s not impossible, even with just one season as a full-time starter.

Although Willis spent two seasons at Auburn, he played only sparingly and threw just 14 passes in 12 games. He has been able to more consistently show his running skills, but everyone is getting the chance to see his passing abilities now that he’s starring at Liberty.

Willis’ instinctive style of play, tremendous traits (arm talent, speed), and productivity this season are indicators that he could very well be a strong 2021 NFL Draft prospect.

Some of what Willis has shown is reminiscent of Kyler Murray or Russell Wilson, in terms of avoiding pressure in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield. He has such tremendous poise under pressure and speed that it’s almost impossible to faze him with a pass rush.

Next. Fields, Wilson rising in 2021 NFL mock draft. dark

This guy has not only become must-see-TV, but he’s also become one of the most fascinating NFL projections in college football.

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