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Name: Myles Willis
Position: Running Back
Number: #23
Year: Junior
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 194 lbs.
Hometown: Conyers, GA
High School: Marist School
2013 Stats: Willis played in 11 games as a true freshman, spelling Doak Walker Award winner Andre Williams as the team's feature running back. The true freshman rushed for 346 yards and two touchdowns on 60 carries. Also caught five passes for 60 yards and one touchdown. Willis returned 30 kicks for 709 yards (a 23.63 average good for sixth best in the conference), including a 98-yard return for a touchdown against New Mexico State. His 1,115 all purpose yards gave BC two players ranked in the top 8 in the conference in the category.
2014 Statistics: Played in all 13 games in 2014, rushing for 459 yards on 88 attempts. Also was the starting KR for most of the year, which was highlighted by his 95 yard kick return for a touchdown against Syracuse on the first play of the game. Led the Eagles in all purpose yards last season with 1372. Had 89 rushing yards against USC including a 52 yard run.
2015 Projection: Myles is going to have a major role for the Eagles this year even if Jon Hilliman is the primary back for Todd Fitch. Willis does everything, and does it all well. He can run, he can catch, he can return kicks, certainly his versatility is something that the coaching staff appreciates. Willis is going to get his touches this year, and will be a great change of pace back from Hilliman. Just watch his highlight reels below, he's going to make big plays for the Eagles and should be an exciting offensive weapon for Steve Addazio.
Over/Under: 4 plays of 50+ yards.
How'd He Get Here: A three-star triple-option QB out of high school, Willis chose the Eagles over claimed offers from Connecticut, Florida State, Mississippi State, UCF, Virginia, Wake Forest and Western Kentucky. Originally recruited by former WR coach Aaron Smith.
Twitter Feed: You can follow Myles on Twitter @MylesAhead_23. He's definitely a great follow in terms of players on the team, very opinionated and entertaining.
Tweetable (I think Myles wishes names were on the back of the unis):
If only pic.twitter.com/wsDSWWRivx
— Myles Willis #23 (@MylesAhead_23) July 22, 2015
Uniform History: John Lyons was the first to wear the #23 jersey in 1916-19. Most recently, team captain Jim Noel wore number 23 from 2009-12. The #23 has been fairly popular over the years. In addition to Noel, two other team captains have worn the number -- OLB Kelly Elias (1974-77) and fellow RB and All-American Troy Stradford (1982-84, 86).
Linkage:
Boston College freshman Myles Willis has had an impact already (The Boston Globe)
Eagles return to splender with Myles Willis (Boston Herald)
Myles Willis will lead the charge in backfield (The Boston Globe)
Get To Know The Dudes 2014: #23 Myles Willis (BC Interruption)
Myles Willis Named To Paul Hornung Award Watch List (BC Interruption)
What Does Addazio Think Of Him: Addazio assessing the running backs coming out of spring ball: "The two tailbacks - Tyler Rouse and Myles Willis - had an outstanding spring. Those are two guys that love ball. They love to compete. They're all about excellence in every piece of their life and they were very, very productive this spring."
"Both he and Tyler Rouse had a great spring. They did a lot of good things. They're still young and will make mistakes, but they're progressing."
Highlight Reel:
/ Aggievision rec