WATCH: Tennessee LB commit Aaron Willis talks Vols’ linebackers, senior season, instincts and more after win in Chattanooga
During a 24-16 win for Life Christian over McCallie on Friday night, Tennessee linebacker commit and SI All-American candidate Aaron Willis showed why he earned that recognition in the first place.
Granted, as with any defender facing a new opponent, Willis took time to take in McCallie’s offense.
But after adjusting, Willis’ instincts took over in the second half.
He flew around the field, filled gaps like an NFL veteran and slammed defenders to the turf, flexing in celebration after every big play.
On one goal-line stand in particular, Willis dipped under an offensive lineman, lowered his center of gravity to slide into the backfield unscathed, and wrapped McCallie running back B.J. Harris for a pivotal loss.
That time, the flex was accompanied by a confident head nod, as Willis high-stepped toward the sideline.
The Vols’ commitment took over the game in its final minutes, and afterward, he took some time to chat with VR2 on SI.
Willis referenced the aforementioned instincts during the conversation, but he also went into detail about his senior season, what he’d like to accomplish at Tennessee and much more.
For our full interview with the 2021 commit, check out the video above.
Also, to get a glimpse at his talent, check out Willis’ SI All-American evaluation, listed below.
Prospect: Aaron Willis
Status: SI All-American Candidate
Vitals: 6-foot, 205 pounds
School: Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy
Committed to: Tennessee
Projected Position: Linebacker
Frame: Compact build with muscle definition in the upper and lower extremities. Room to add mass as needed.
Athleticism: Quicker than fast with tangible closing speed and pop on contact. Closes distance between he and assignment well from depth and in tight quarters. Runs with lean and as much flash as any downhill prospect in the 2021 recruiting cycle.
Instincts: Lives in the backfield off of aggression and quickness off the ball. Anticipates well off the line as well as during any pre-snap movement situation. Some control leads to samples of lateral ability and consistency against national schedule and high level competition.
Polish: Accelerated play diagnostics and a quick trigger combines for flash plays from multiple positions. Times blitzes incredibly well and can make plays through contact with natural leverage and explosive ability. Tools to hold own in coverage with enough quickness to combat a running back or tight end. Room to improve extension and hand usage against blockers.
Bottom Line: Willis has head-turning striking ability as an ultra-aggressive second level prospect. The compact frame could limit the amount of time he spends as a true edge prospect at the next level but the short-area power and comfort playing in space could eventually help him develop into three-down territory in college. At a minimum, he has special teams ace traits to his name.