Willis captains 3A All-State team

WASHINGTON - Trashaun Willis was urged to be a leader for as long as he can remember.

His parents, Korrie and Jen Willis, stressed being at the front of the pack to avoid distractions. It is a lesson that he has tried to apply to everything.

'Since Day 1, my parents always told me I had to be a leader,” said Willis, a captain on the Washington football and basketball teams. 'Never be a follower because followers can follow the wrong path. I've always put in play in my life, whether it's academic or athletic careers. They really pressed that on me.”

The advice served him well. Willis closed his career as a three-year defensive starter, adding quarterback duties this season. Willis was an all-around playmaker, leading the fourth-ranked Demons to an 8-1 record this year. For his efforts, Willis earned his third all-state honor and was named the Class 3A all-state captain chosen by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association.

'He's just a tremendous young man,” Demons head coach James Harris said. 'He's supremely talented. He's a gifted athlete.”

Willis has risen above the competition as a standout football and basketball player. The Demons won District 5 in football this season and were Southeast Conference champions last year in basketball.

'Being a leader is everything to me,” Willis said. 'Coach Harris throws that on me. He is really big on that.”

Willis is an inspiration to many. Willis was born with amniotic band syndrome, which caused him to be without the bottom portion of his left arm. The amniotic sac wrapped around his elbow in the womb and stunted further growth.

'There is no obstacle too great,” Willis said. 'You can persevere through anything, if you set your mind to it. I've always said that, but it's something I really do believe in. Self-motivation will push you to be the best version of yourself that you can be and that's all you need.”

Harris said Willis has no limitations. He motivates others to reach new heights with his determination and perseverance.

'He's not disabled in any way,” Harris said. 'He's so capable of doing anything any other athlete can do. Having a kid like that around really eliminates anyone else's excuses. When you're not feeling great or feeling sore or moving slow, he challenges everyone to bring out the best in themselves, because he's always performing at a high level.”

Willis was selected as the first-team defensive utility player. He was a second-teamer at linebacker last season and on the third team as a sophomore. Willis finished this season with 37.5 tackles (18 solo), including four for loss and a sack. Willis also produced an interception that he returned for a touchdown to clinch the season-opening 19-10 victory over perennial power Bettendorf. He has had an interception and returned it for a TD in two of the last three years. As a sophomore, he led the Demons in tackles with 54 and solo stops at 32. He had five TFL and two interceptions. As a junior, he was second in solos with 27 and fourth on the Demons in tackles at 40.5. He had 6.5 TFL.

Willis enjoyed taking the field and performing for his hometown.

'That's what meant the most to me,” Willis said. 'My best friends and I going out there every Friday night, putting on a show for our community.

'Obviously, it didn't end where we wanted it to but I'm still proud of everyone. We gave it our all.”

In his first season as a starting quarterback, Willis amassed 1,453 all-purpose yards, passing for 907 and 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 523 and 13 scores. He also reeled in two passes, including one for a TD.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder was the unanimous 3A District 5 Offensive MVP.

'He's a stud,” Harris said. 'He's a huge athlete. He's big and strong. He's got good speed. He's got great awareness.”

Willis aspires to play college football. He has talked to some programs but remains undecided.

'I've been talking to a few colleges such as St. Ambrose, Coe, Loras, William Penn, Lamar University, and schools like that,” Willis said.

Harris said he believes that Willis would be a good contributor at the college level.

'I hope someone gives him an opportunity somewhere,” Harris said. 'He'll exceed expectations.”

Doug Brenneman of the Union contributed to this article.