2nd commit of 2009

by psuguy on Apr 29, 2008 12:11 PM EDT

Indian Head (Md.) Lackey safety Malcolm Willis committed to Penn State Monday.

"Penn State was at my school yesterday and after they left I told my coach that I want to be a Nittany Lion," Willis said.

Willis was attending classes at his high school at the time of this writing, so we will have more on this story later in the day Tuesday.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=58880&season=2009

pros: Willis is a great-looking athlete on the hoof and shows good skills as both a dual-threat quarterback and safety. His future lies on defense though, and depending on his refinement he could stay at safety or slide down to outside linebacker. Did not show the good hips and same smoothness at safety we saw when he ran as a quarterback, but he possesses good size and displays above average range supporting the run and pass. Looked comfortable and played physical down in the box versus the run. Overall, Willis possesses the physical tools, athleticism and aggressiveness for a college coaching staff to mold into a quality defensive player. Might benefit from a red shirt season and continued physical development could see a move down to outside linebacker.

cons: Lacks a fluid pedal and proper read steps. Tends to play high with little bend hindering transition quickness out of pedal and sharpness when running the alley. A bit stiff pursuing laterally and breaking down in space. Good range for his size but speed versus faster slots in man-to-man is a concern. Does not show a great burst breaking on the ball in the air when playing zone.

We would love to see you grow into a great athlete and a student under Joe Pa. Welcome to Penn State, Malcolm.

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23 to go.

Pat Devlin in '08

by Nick7 on Apr 29, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

can I borrow some jargon?

Lacks a fluid pedal and proper read steps. Tends to play high with little bend hindering transition quickness out of pedal and sharpness when running the alley. A bit stiff pursuing laterally and breaking down in space. Good range for his size but speed versus faster slots in man-to-man is a concern. Does not show a great burst breaking on the ball in the air when playing zone.

What the f#*k does this mean? Who writes this crap?

For the Glory National Champions 1982, 1986, 1994,

by jesse. on Apr 29, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

He could be a beer...

A nice deep amber-golden color but not overly frothy, and dissipates quite slowly. Definitely hoppy but so smooth and a complexity that has delicious fruit tones. Smell of hops with a stronger than average sweet malt backbone. Also got some oaky undertones with a solid malt background. Definitely a sweet hop aftertaste, very sticky, seems to linger.

I bleed Blue and White.

by Horse N Buggy on Apr 29, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Aren't You.........

a Lawyer Jesse ? This kind of verbal obfuscation should be right up your alley :)

Eric Watters Atlanta, Ga.

by ech2os on Apr 29, 2008 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions

That's true

That's how I can spot it so quickly.

For the Glory National Champions 1982, 1986, 1994,

by jesse. on Apr 29, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Translation...

that's definitely a scout or coach talking.

It seems this kid lacks technique with his read steps (reading pass/run) and doesn't get himself into an athletic position so his first couple steps are slow. He's standing tall so his transition from a back-pedal to sprint is slow (in pass coverage). He also doesn't get into an athletic position when making an open-field tackle. His speed is in question when playing man-to-man. Again, first steps are slow, so he does not make it to a pass as quickly as he should.

by Stately NOVA Lion @ Black Shoe Diaries on Apr 30, 2008 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

With that size...

...he should be able to lay the wood when and if he gets to the ball carrier.

Pat Devlin in '08

by Nick7 on Apr 30, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Jargon anyone?

It sounds like those goofball descriptions they give about wine. Does all this crap mean he's a good player?? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

by NJ lion on Apr 29, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

Good but needs polish

Every article I have seen on him says that this kid is a good athlete that can hit on D. His game film at QB is actually not that bad either. I think he was a good pick-up for PSU and will be a fine player once the defensive coaches help him with his technique. Don't forget...most high schools don't teach that much technique. You have to be able to pick out the athletes with instincts. If our defensive staff likes him...tht is good enough for me.

I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?

by pic15 on Apr 30, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions