Willis signs to play football

WASHINGTON - Trashaun Willis has been many things in his athletic career but now he has decided to be a linebacker for the Grand View University Vikings football team and major in psychology.

Willis signed his letter of intent Wednesday to play for the Vikings, an NAIA school with a national title in 2017.

It was the win-first mentality and the team-over-everything philosophy that tilted the decision over Loras, William Penn, St. Ambrose and the DI offer from Lamar University.

'I just can't wait to be a part of another winning program and the drive for success,” said Willis. 'I'm interested in helping people out, helping them with their problems. Psychology is a program where I can always find jobs. It's something that's never going to end.”

Willis time at quarterback will end as the 6-foot-5, 233-pound Willis will be a linebacker and excel at it in the eyes of Washington High School head coach James Harris.

'He's got the size, the tools and knows how to bring his legs,” Harris said. 'No one does a better job of dropping their hips and changing their level.”

'We are thrilled to be getting a player with the character and talent of Trashaun, but I'll be honest, I wasn't sure we had a realistic chance at getting him,” said Grand View head coach Joe Woodley. 'We feel he is one of the best all around athletes in the state of Iowa. A player with his size and athleticism usually translates to FCS-FBS level.”

Former Washington head coach Garrison Carter alerted Woodley to Willis' interest and a visit followed.

'I think Trashaun and his mother felt comfortable while they were here on their visit,” Woodley said. I've never believed in hard selling recruits.”

Woodley said the visit was a chance to see how 'authentic and genuine” Willis is. 'I could tell immediately he is the type of kid that will make our team better without even stepping foot on the field.”

While defense will be Willis' home his future coach was impressed by Willis' versatility.

'I think we could put him about anywhere and I know he will make the most of it,” Woodley said. 'His size and athleticism are the first things you notice when you watch his film for the first time, and then as you keep watching you notice how competitive he his.”

Harris speculated that depending on the defense the Vikings play, Willis could be an excellent edge rusher.

'He's smart enough, quick enough and he reads well,” Harris said. 'When he puts his mind to it, he can do anything.”

Willis has always competed at a high level and it's all about getting a chance, getting the trust to put him on the field and see what he can do. There will be bigger, faster athletes at the next level so he's 'got to keep his speed up and be able to go sideline to sideline,” Harris said.

'He's special.”

It is a trait noticed by Woodley.

'(Willis has a million-dollar smile. I couldn't help but be inspired by him. My guess is he has had the same impact on the Washington community.”