2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Donald Willis, LB, Western Michigan University

• Name: Donald Willis
• Position: LB
• College: Western Michigan University
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 230 lbs
• Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
• X (Twitter): @donaldwillis399
• Instagram: @donald15willis

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player? 

I started playing football at 7 but I was just trying different sports at the time. I found out what football could do for me my junior year of high school at Garfield Heights High School.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I had a great time in all 4 of my career bowl games but my favorite moment was 2019 Minnesota vs. Penn, Jordan Howden with the pick to seal the W. The fans storm the field somehow, I had my phone, crazy feeling.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m looking to improve on my fundamentals and detail. While getting stronger, fast, and more agile. Detail being the most important of them all.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

If I could chill with anybody it would be Patrick Willis or Troy Polamalu. Funny thing is my grandmother said that Patrick Willis was my cousin not knowing she gave me someone to watch.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My dad Gary Willis inspires me the most. Watching him work multiple jobs to provide, at 65 retired still working says a lot. If he can do that, imagine what I can do.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love a 4-3 defense that is astronomical in their coverage, mixes up blitzes well, and plays to players’ strengths.

What should we know about Donald Willis the person?

You should know that I love my people, I’m here to follow God, and I treat people how I want to be treated.

What stands out about your film the most?

Aggressive at the point of attack, zone drop/window awareness, run stopper and man to man with TE. 

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

My old Coach Rossi had a saying be proactive rather than reactive. Figure out what’s coming and prepare for it. Control the controllables and always be open to different perspectives.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A versatile player that can adapt to different situations, instincts, sideline to sideline, detail oriented, and gap replacer. 

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The brotherhood nothing is like it. I met so many people that contributed to my life just by consistently showing up every day being the same person. To the quietest in the room just showing love. To players standing on morals and beliefs. Football helped me gain that perspective on life.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player to me is Mo Ibrahim. He took the ball and knew what to do with it, give it up for little man.

Why did you transfer?

I transferred because I was young and didn’t understand that everything Minnesota was teaching me was building my character. Even though I was talented enough to play and thrive, it’s nothing without having the mental capability to act on it. I was lacking that at the time which led to an emotional decision. I learned a lot about myself and what type of team I want to be on in the future.