Boston College Football 2014: Myles Willis, RB

Myles Willis was the lightning to Andre Williams‘ thunder in 2013, but he takes center stage in 2014 for the Boston College Eagles.

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The true sophomore hails from the South, having played for the Marist School in Atlanta. Willis was quite useful to that team, playing quarterback and running back. As a senior, he threw for and rushed for over 1,000 yards each.

During his recruitment, he was considered to be an “athlete,” but when he got here, all involved knew that he would end up as a Boston College running back. What we did not know at the time was how dramatic a swing the fortunes of that unit would take during his freshman year.

In 2012, just prior to the arrival of Myles Willis on the Heights, the Eagles had one of the worst running games in the country — as a matter of fact, it was third-worst. The offensive line had been poorly coached for years and the Eagles had no offensive identity. Then, in 2013, Steve Addazio brought the needed changes and Boston College’s run game improved dramatically to one of the nation’s best.

Willis had a key role in that, backing up Andre Williams as a change-of-pace back, and he succeeded. On just 60 carries, Myles Willis ran for over 350 yards while also taking a kickoff to the house against New Mexico State and receiving a touchdown, giving him four total for the season. During that time, he showed some skill and escapability.

Good things look to be forthcoming in 2014.

Myles Willis #23: Fast Facts

• Position: Running back
• Hometown: Conyers, Georgia
• High School: Marist School, Atlanta, GA
• Measurements: 5-foot-9, 203 lb.
• Class year at 2014 opener: Sophomore
• BC games played: 11

Myles Willis #23: 2013 Season

• Backup running back behind Andre Williams; true freshman
• Games played: 11
• Cumulative statistics: 60 rush, 356 yards, 2 TD; 1 receiving TD; 1 kickoff return TD
• Appeared on Spring 2014 roster

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If only looking at players who happened to be on the spring football roster, non-inclusive of the incoming freshmen, Willis would probably be the new starting running back. At this time, it still looks like that is how it will be.

There is the possibility that one of the freshmen, including Marcus Outlow or Jonathan Hilliman, could back him up or keep him in the backup role, but chances are that Willis gets the most touches in 2014, and we get a full season to see what he can do.

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