DT Willis back enrolled in classes at UM

Aug 28, 2017

A source told Canesinsight this afternoon that defensive tackle Gerald Willis is back enrolled in classes at the University of Miami.

In July, Mark Richt announced that the redshirt junior would be taking a leave of absence from the football season and would not compete for the 2017 season. Willis was not enrolled in classes at UM over the summer. He will still sit this season out and is not on the roster, but Willis could have the option of rejoining the team in January with one more year of eligibility.

Willis could technically also enter the draft following the season, as he is eligible to do so, but would be seen as a potential starter in 2018 with the possibility of Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh having big seasons and turning pro as well.

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3
3FW

Aug 29, 2017

A formal leave of absence essentially freezes your status at the U (not NCAA). Wiliis and his family have always been unequivaocable that he would be beck. **** we get some injuries, coach can play him.

TheOriginalCane

Aug 29, 2017

Pete, I think you responded to someone's question earlier (on the Willis "re-enrolls" thread) about how a player not on the roster cannot participate in practice.

Another website is reporting that Willis is "back at practice".

Do you have any idea of whether this means that Willis will be able to participate and, at some point, possibly play this year?

Thanks!

calinative umstudent

Aug 29, 2017

Just to confirm, He has eligibility for 2018, regardless if he plays this year or not....right?

Peter Ariz

Aug 29, 2017

He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

Thoughtsoncanes

Aug 29, 2017

Peter Ariz said:
He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

Is this just about staying in shape to enter next year's draft or do you think he'll stay and play?

C
callmetrip

Aug 29, 2017

Ibis Wingz said:
No one wanted to listen to [MENTION=4841]The Franchise[/MENTION], [MENTION=538]rokulika[/MENTION] and @me on this one.

don't know [MENTION=538]rokulika[/MENTION] but I listen to Chise and Sniff for a decade now and rarely am I lead astray.

C
Canesfrom

Aug 29, 2017

think he's sitting out on purpose to start in 2018... and get some real film for scouts

5
561caneforever

Aug 29, 2017

Thoughtsoncanes said:
Peter Ariz said:

He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

Click to expand...

Is this just about staying in shape to enter next year's draft or do you think he'll stay and play?

No chance he gets drafted in 2018.

The Franchise

Aug 29, 2017

Pete might be a little confused on this Willis issue. Willis was always on the roster UM put out. He's on the roster, enrolled in school and practicing with the team. The only thing stopping Rick from using him this year is Rick drawing a line in the sand and not wanting to change his mind.

The Franchise

Aug 29, 2017

Thoughtsoncanes said:
Peter Ariz said:

He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

Click to expand...

Is this just about staying in shape to enter next year's draft or do you think he'll stay and play?

Why the fck would Rick allow a guy on the roster just to practice for the NFL?

Notsince1985

Aug 29, 2017

Peter Ariz said:
He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

I see you answering questions in this thread, but not my question in the other thread. I see what's going on here.

Notsince1985

Aug 29, 2017

The Franchise said:
Thoughtsoncanes said:

Peter Ariz said:

He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

Click to expand...

Is this just about staying in shape to enter next year's draft or do you think he'll stay and play?

Click to expand...

Why the fck would Rick allow a guy on the roster just to practice for the NFL?

Jesus told him to do it

Sebastian_29

Aug 29, 2017

Someone needs to explain to me why he's practicing on August 29th but won't play this season? Come on damnit. Use everyone we have. This is stupid

Sebastian_29

Aug 29, 2017

This is a guy that was making a huge impact in the FSU game last season and now we are saving him for next year? What the **** is going on.

brcane1

Aug 29, 2017

Sebastian_29 said:
This is a guy that was making a huge impact in the FSU game last season and now we are saving him for next year? What the **** is going on.

Double secret probation.

20EReedboii

Aug 29, 2017

Peter Ariz said:
He's back on the roster and practiced the last two days. Won't play this season though

They put him back on the roster yesterday

I know there are some personal issues, and you want to respect his privacy, but can you tell us what's going on here? I know we are not desperate for DT's but if he can practice, why can't he play?

Peter Ariz

Aug 29, 2017

The Franchise said:
Pete might be a little confused on this Willis issue. Willis was always on the roster UM put out. He's on the roster, enrolled in school and practicing with the team. The only thing stopping Rick from using him this year is Rick drawing a line in the sand and not wanting to change his mind.

He's definitely "allowed" to play, but Richt said today that Willis won't play this season. And he was off the roster for a bit. He was not with the team over the summer and was in LA.

[TWEET]902568523146330112[/TWEET]

Last edited: Aug 29, 2017

KevinCaneFace

Aug 29, 2017

Peter Ariz said:
The Franchise said:

Pete might be a little confused on this Willis issue. Willis was always on the roster UM put out. He's on the roster, enrolled in school and practicing with the team. The only thing stopping Rick from using him this year is Rick drawing a line in the sand and not wanting to change his mind.

Click to expand...

He's definitely "allowed" to play, but Richt said today that Willis won't play this season. And he was off the roster for a bit. He was not with the team over the summer and was in LA.

[TWEET]902568523146330112[/TWEET]

So do you think Willis will play next year or be more likely to bolt to the NFL?

Peter Ariz

Aug 29, 2017

KevinCaneFace said:
Peter Ariz said:

The Franchise said:

Pete might be a little confused on this Willis issue. Willis was always on the roster UM put out. He's on the roster, enrolled in school and practicing with the team. The only thing stopping Rick from using him this year is Rick drawing a line in the sand and not wanting to change his mind.

Click to expand...

He's definitely "allowed" to play, but Richt said today that Willis won't play this season. And he was off the roster for a bit. He was not with the team over the summer and was in LA.

[TWEET]902568523146330112[/TWEET]

Click to expand...

So do you think Willis will play next year or be more likely to bolt to the NFL?

His plan right now is to play next season, but who knows when the season ends.

5
5XNC

Aug 29, 2017

what franchise said. don't be stupid. if in his mind he's already gone, why would he be in school wasting his time taking classes? he could be working out 3-4 hours a day somewhere. and richt isn't letting him back to take up a scholarship and to practice when he's taking reps from some young guy behind him if he isn't coming back.

now, like Pete said, after the season, who knows, but, at the moment, I can't imagine both parties aren't 100% committed to him coming back and being a starting DT and then leaving as top 3-4 round draft choice.

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DT Willis back enrolled in classes at UM

DT Willis back enrolled in classes at UM

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