Ole Miss Football: Patrick Willis On Ballot For College Football HOF

Ole Miss football fans fondly remember Patrick Willis from his years on the field of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. He was and still is a cherished member of the Ole Miss family. Willis is more than worthy of being placed on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. He deserves to be in it.

It’s easy to really appreciate everything about P Willy if you’re a Ole Miss football fan. From his hard-hitting head hunter play on the field to his winning smile and personality, he was a fan favorite. Everything about Patrick Willis exudes winner and rightfully so. He has always been a winner both on and off the field. It’s just really hard not to like him.

I have friends who aren’t Ole Miss fans, yes it’s true. Most of them can name a menagerie of great offensive Ole Miss players. Ask them about the best defensive player in Ole Miss history and many can only say one name, Patrick Willis. It’s for good reason. Willis was dominant during his days as a Rebel linebacker and is also one of the greatest defensive players in Ole Miss history, if not the greatest.

Related Story: Who Are The Best LBs In OM History?

Proving He Should Make It

Ole Miss Rebels Football

Of course, it’s hard not to also truly appreciate P Willy’s all-pro NFL career as well. However, if you only look at his college career he is easily one of the greatest LBs to ever play on that level alone.

That’s why so many Ole Miss fans and foes alike can only remember his name when you talk about Ole Miss LBs.

Patrick Willis was a beast on the field and has the numbers and the highlights to prove it. For some reason LSU pops in most Rebel fans heads when we think of P Willy.

Some of his hardest hits may have been in the NFL but there were plenty to pick through from his college days as well. One stands out in particular for many Rebel fans.

I can clearly remember the hit he put on LSU running-back Justin Vincent backed up deep in Ole Miss territory. I can also remember the reaction from the Ole Miss fans as the replay was shown over and over on the video board in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. It’s always so awesome. Let’s watch it again.

Some Of Our Rivals Don’t Like It

For the life of me I can’t understand why more LSU fans can’t appreciate it as much as we do. Of course, you can’t base a vote for the College Football Hall of Fame on the video of just one hit. No, but he has a whole repertoire for voters to consider when they check by his name. All you have to do is look at the records. According to OleMissSports.com,

"He twice led the Southeastern Conference in tackles and was selected to the most first team All-American squads (13) ever by a Rebel player in a single season. A first team All-American in 2005 and 2006, he was also a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year. ~OleMissSports.com"

In 2006, his final season at Ole Miss, Willis was recipient of both the Butkus Award and the Lambert Trophy, both of which go to the nation’s top linebacker. That season Willis accounted for 137 tackles, 7 pass deflections, 3 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. Based on his work on the field alone he should make it in easily.

However, they also have a man of character deserving to add to the Hall of Fame. During his college career at Ole Miss he was a model student/athlete. Willis was truly great both on and off the field. Not just in college, but before and after, he was and is a leader and a role model. Trust me, he has earned it.

The inductees of the 2018 College Football Hall of Fame will be announced on January 8, 2018 prior to kickoff of the College Football Playoff Championship Game in Atlanta. However, the induction ceremony will be held December 4, 2017 in New York.