Malik Willis

PRO: The Titans selected Malik Willis in the third round (86th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his first NFL season, he appeared in eight games with three starts at quarterback, totaling 276 passing yards, 123 rushing yards and one rushing score. The 6-foot-1-inch, 219-pound signal caller possesses a dynamic skill set that includes a strong, accurate arm and elusiveness as a runner. A native of Atlanta, Ga., he spent three total years at Liberty, including a 2019 redshirt campaign, after transferring from Auburn. During his two seasons as Liberty's starting signal caller, he directed the Flames to two bowl victories and led the FBS with 74 total passing (47) and rushing (27) touchdowns. He was the third quarterback drafted in 2022 after the Titans traded up four spots in the third round to select him.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
•   As a rookie in 2022, Willis saw action in eight games and recorded three starts. He won his first NFL start on Oct. 30, 2022 at Houston.
•   In his final season at Liberty in 2021, Willis led the Flames to an 8-5 record and a bowl win. He completed 207 of 339 passes for 2,857 yards and 27 touchdowns to go along with 197 rushing attempts for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns.

TITANS TIDBITS: 
•   In recognition of his stellar play on the field and outstanding character off the gridiron, Willis was named the 2021 Bobby Bowden Trophy winner. The award is presented annually to "a college football player who epitomizes a student-athlete of faith and conducts himself as an exemplary model in the classroom, on the field, on the campus and in the community." The other two finalists for the 2021 award were Georgia kicker/punter Jake Camarda and Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
•   Willis' uncle James Anderson was a linebacker who played 10 seasons in the NFL, including time in 2014 with the Titans. Anderson also played with the Panthers (2006-12), Bears (2013) and Saints (2015). Willis' cousin Nigel Warrior was a defensive back at the University of Tennessee (2016-19) before playing in the NFL for the Ravens (2020) and Seahawks (2021). 
•   Willis says that one of his bucket list goals is to one day win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. 
•   Off the field, Willis enjoys playing video games and lists Call of Duty, Madden NFL, NBA2K and FIFA as his favorites.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS: 
•   The Atlanta, Ga., native was selected by the Titans in the third round (86th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE:
•   Played two seasons at Liberty after spending his first two collegiate seasons at Auburn. In four total seasons, he appeared in 38 games with 23 starts, completing 388 of 618 passes for 5,186 yards and 48 touchdowns with 18 interceptions. He also rushed for 2,131 yards and 29 touchdowns on 366 career rushing attempts. His 74 total passing and rushing touchdowns from 2020 to 2021 ranked first among all FBS players. His record in 23 career starts was 17-6, all with Liberty, including two bowl victories.
•   As a senior at Liberty in 2021, started all 13 games at quarterback. Completed 207 of 339 passing attempts for 2,857 yards and 27 touchdowns, and he also led Liberty in rushing with 878 yards and 13 touchdowns on 197 carries. Honors included Bobby Bowden Trophy, Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award semifinalist, Maxwell Award semifinalist, Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team and 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl invitation. His 3,736 total offensive yards ranked second in program history for a single season. Broke his own single-season school record with 40 total touchdowns. Ranked eighth in the country in points responsible for (242/18.6 per game), 18th in passing touchdowns, 20th in total offense (287.7 yards per game) and 20th in passing yards per completion (13.83).
•   As a junior at Liberty in 2020, started all 10 games in which he played in his first season as Liberty's quarterback after sitting out 2019 due to transfer rules. Won each of his first seven career starts. Completed 170 of 265 passes for 2,260 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. Added 141 rushing attempts for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns. Had at least one rushing touchdown in eight of his 10 games. Led all FBS quarterbacks in rushing yards and touchdowns. Other national rankings included eighth in points responsible for (204) and points responsible for per game (20.4); ninth in total offense (320.4 yards per game); 11th in total touchdowns (14); 17th in passing efficiency (156.2); and 16th in passing touchdowns.
•   Redshirted under transfer rules during his first year at Liberty in 2019.
•   As a sophomore in 2018, appeared in eight games at Auburn, completing five of his seven pass attempts for 24 yards. Added 12 rushing attempts for 88 yards and one touchdown.
•   As a freshman in 2017, saw action in seven games at Auburn, completing six of his seven pass attempts for 45 yards and one touchdown. Added 16 rushing attempts for 221 yards and a score.
•   Graduated from Liberty in December 2020 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus in business and sports management. He entered the NFL in 2022 three classes from receiving an MBA.

PERSONAL: 
•   Attended Roswell (Atlanta, Ga.) High School as a senior after transferring from Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) High School.
•   Led the Roswell Hornets to the Class 7A state title game as a senior. Passed for 2,562 yards, rushed for 1,033 yards, and accounted for 37 total touchdowns. Named Class 7A AJC offensive player of the year and first-team All-State.
•   Also played high school baseball as a shortstop, third baseman, catcher and pitcher.
•   Son of Shastca Grier and Harold Willis with one brother and one sister.
•   Follow Willis on Twitter and Instagram at @malikwillis.
•   Follow Willis on Tiktok at @malikwillisQB.
•   Born Malik Antonio Willis on May 25, 1999 in College Park, Ga.