But he could run with power when needed. He was the best athlete ever at running back from BYU. When he was in camp with the 49ers (only got the invite because Steve Young told the coaches they had to take a look), coaches said after the first look, they had never seen an athlete like Willis. He went out on a banana route and the pass was behind him and low. He just reached back and speared the ball one handed just above the ground while simultaneously swiveling his hips and taking off up field all in one motion. Coaches and other players were just stunned silent. I always wondered if Willis wouldn't have been a pro bowl wide receiver in the NFL. Huge soft hands, huge body, huge vertical. The 49ers used him on kick offs and a little at running back, but he got hurt before they really knew what to do with him.

Willis could also run through big, talented teams. His effort against Notre Dame a prime example with Lou Holtz saying that was the best back they had faced.

Even though BYU has never had a successful NFL running back, they have had some great college ones.