Prospect Profile: Willis McGahee IV, Palmetto

Son of former NFL star running back is making his mark from the defensive edge

MIAMI, FLORIDA – Willis McGahee IV is looking to create his own legacy. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound prospect is the son of former University of Miami great and NFL running back Willis McGahee. He is the latest in a line of former great players with sons playing football.

The elder McGahee won a 2001 BCS National Championship with the Hurricanes while rushing for a single-season program record of 1,753 yards in 2002. He then moved on to a 10-year NFL career; mostly with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. McGahee rushed for 8,478 yards and 65 touchdowns as a professional.

You might be thinking McGahee IV is a running back or at least plays offense. The reality is he’s one of the best edge rushers in South Florida. McGahee IV demonstrates his skill-set off the line for Miami Palmetto High School.

“I started playing when I was like five years old in Davie,” said McGahee IV. "I was playing with Ricardo (Hallman), Frank Gore’s (step) son. His other son Demetrius (Gore) and a couple of other people that are in college right now. I was playing a lot when I was younger.”

Blessed with similar speed that made his father and namesake a star running back at the University of Miami and in the NFL, Willis McGahee IV of Palmetto High School is one of the nation's top pass rushers in the Class of 2024 / Photo by Michael Costeines

One thing that runs in the family is speed. His father once was clocked a 4.28 40-yard dash in college. McGahee IV has a similar level of quickness coming off the edge. It’s those short bursts that often leave offensive lineman off balance when he attacks.

“They will see that I’m very fast,” said McGahee. “I’m real fast off the line. My favorite one is just using my speed and strength. I can push, pull. I’ve always been a defensive guy. I love defense.”

The scary notion for offensive lineman is that McGahee IV is often beating them from pure natural ability. He is still learning different techniques and concepts off the blitz.

McGahee is just beginning to realize his potential.

“I’m trying to use my hands more,” said McGahee. “I don’t use my hands that much. I just use my arms and elbows. But I do need to stop using my hands to just try and tackle people.”

McGahee IV is currently listed as a 4-star recruit and 95th overall player in the 2024 Class by 247 Sports. He is further ranked as the 12th best junior edge rusher in the nation and 22nd overall player in the state of Florida for his class.

McGahee holds offers from Auburn, Louisville, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, UCF and West Virginia. His father’s alma mater has yet to offer. That might change before McGahee IV is done with his high school career.

While forging his own path, McGahee IV is in a unique position where his father is well-adapted in the game. Simply put, most players don’t have a dad that dominated in college and on the professional level. It’s an advantage where McGahee IV can seek advice while still forging his own path.

“It’s both,” McGahee said on his father’s influence. “He doesn’t take a full hands-on approach with my game. But he does give me tips and pointers when I need it.”