OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis, the Southeastern Conference's leading tackler, will return to the Rebels for his senior season.
Willis, a second-team AP All-America pick, had considered bypassing his senior year and entering the NFL draft, but after receiving an unfavorable draft projection he told coach Ed Orgeron on Wednesday of his decision to return to Oxford.
``You can leave early and then come back to graduate, but if you do leave, you can't get that senior season back,'' Willis said.
Willis led the SEC and ranked sixth nationally with an average of 12.8 tackles per game, despite an assortment of injuries including a broken finger which forced him to play part of the season with a club-like cast protecting it.
Willis said he was told by the NFL that he likely would be picked in the third round.
``I prayed tremendously about what was the best decision,'' he said. ``I just felt the Lord was telling me to be patient and wait another year and everything will work out. This gives me another year of college football to work hard to become one of the best linebackers to ever play at Ole Miss.''
Orgeron said the rebuilding Rebels will receive a boost from the return of their best defensive player.
``Patrick Willis is a difference maker and a team player, along with being one of the top players in the country,'' Orgeron said. ``We realize that this decision will play a big part in our success here at Ole Miss, both in recruiting and on the football field.''
Willis also was a finalist for the Conerly Trophy, given to the top college football player in Mississippi.
Wednesday
July 16th, 2025
2:16AM
