University of Wyoming Athletics

UW This Season: Mark Willis missed 2012 spring drills, but it is hoped that he will be back in the mix at defensive end when the 2012 season begins. He could contribute in the special forces units as well. 2011: Willis was a key reserve at defensive end for the Cowboys, playing in nine games. He backed up standout seniors Josh Biezuns and Gabe Knapton. When he got on the field, he had 14 tackles on the season, including two tackles for loss. His best game came against then-ranked No. 9 Nebraska, when he had five tackles. He also tallied five tackles against Weber State, including a tackle for loss. He is a two-time letter winner. 2010: Willis played in six games during the season as a reserve defensive end behind Gabe Knapton, who earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference honors. Willis was credited with four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks in the six games he played. At the end of his redshirt freshman season, he earned his first Academic All-Conference award. 2009: Redshirted. High School: Willis had an outstanding senior season at Oak Park & River Forest High School in Oak Park, Ill. He made 89 tackles from his defensive end position, including 15 sacks. Willis also forced one fumble, recovered one fumble and had one pass breakup. He earned All-West Suburban Conference honors as a senior. His junior season, Willis was credited with 90 tackles, 19 sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. An outstanding student, he was a member of the National Honor Society in high school. He played for head football coach Jim Nudera. Personal: Born Dec. 26, 1990, he is the only child of Lucy Willis. His cousin Dee Miller played football at Ohio State. Willis was also recruited by Akron, Arizona, Colorado, Louisville, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin. Willis is studying communications in college. Career Stats: