NFL
UB's Willy upbeat about chances with Ravens
UB QB shakes off letdown of draft
Published: April 29, 2009, 12:30 am
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Drew Willy learned a hard lesson about the NFL draft process: Don’t believe everything you hear.
Almost every predraft analysis had the University at Buffalo quarterback being selected between the fifth and seventh rounds. But as Round Nos. 5, 6 and 7 passed, Willy’s telephone did not ring.
Although he was disappointed not being drafted, it wasn’t the end of the world. After fielding calls from several interested teams, Willy decided Baltimore was the right place for him.
“They were a team I thought I could get into a good situation with,” Willy said Tuesday during a conference call with local media. “I just liked the situation where I could go in there and compete. I spoke to their coaches a lot throughout this process. I had a good conversation with their quarterbacks coach, Hue Jackson, at the combine. They told me that they probably weren’t going to draft a quarterback, but to keep them in mind if I didn’t get drafted.
“I just felt comfortable with the whole situation. To go to a class organization like they are, is a good thing for me. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
Winning a spot on Baltimore’s roster won’t be easy. The Ravens already have three veteran quarterbacks, headed by last year’s rookie sensation, Joe Flacco.
Willy will compete with three-year pro Troy Smith and 11-year veteran Todd Bouman for one of the remaining two spots. Bouman signed a one-year contract April 7.
Willy is undeterred by the challenge of beating out more experienced competition. The past weekend has provided him with ample motivation.
“A little adversity just makes me play with more of a chip on my shoulder when I go out there,” he said. “I’ll be ready to go. I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity my whole life, so I’m going to make the best of it. I care too much about football not to give it my all.”
Even if Willy made the team, the odds of getting on the field as a rookie beyond the preseason are pretty slim. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Most pro scouts viewed him as a developmental prospect, and he needs to add more weight and strength to his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame. He also can use the season to adjust to the mental aspects of the pro game.
“I’m just looking forward to going in there and learning as much as I can and bringing anything I can to the organization,” he said. “You’ve got to earn your teammates’ respect, so I’m going to go in there and work hard, do what I’m told to do and just compete. In life, it’s about competition.
“I think I’ve done well wherever I’ve gone with competition. I’ve got my foot in the door now, so I’m going out there with that chip on my shoulder and try to do the best I can, bring what I can to the table and see where everything falls.”
Willy reports to Baltimore on Thursday and takes the field for the Ravens’ three-day rookie minicamp Friday.
While he is focused squarely on what is in front of him, he can’t help but look back on his years in a UB program he helped put on the college football map by leading the Bulls to their first winning season in 10 years at the Division I-A level, their first Mid-American Conference championship and first bowl berth in 50 years.
UB’s all-time leading passer, Willy closed the curtain on a stellar career by setting single-season school records as a senior with 3,304 yards passing and 25 touchdowns while throwing only six interceptions.
“It’s been extremely special to play in a great city like Buffalo and to be around the people in Buffalo,” he said. “I had a great time, especially the past year when we won the MAC championship. It was a great honor to play in the bowl.
“I just hope the program keeps going in the right direction, which I’m almost positive it will with the leadership of coach [Turner] Gill and the coaching staff. I just want all the players that are there to have the same chance I had. It was a great time. It started out a little slow, but we ended off on the right note.”
awilson@buffnews.com
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