Willis talks commitment, KU coaching search
Roeland Park, Kan. - Ryan Willis' mind in unchanged. He committed to Kansas months ago and, at least for now, he's planning to honor that pledge.
The senior quarterback at Kansas' Bishop Miege high school has stood by the Jayhawks in their transitional phase, sure, but he hasn't exactly been standing alone. KU has done all it can to keep its prized quarterback recruit in the fold. Even the athletic administration has gotten involved.
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Coach or no coach, Willis' name is an important one in Lawrence.
"I talk to them every week," Willis said. I talk to the coaches, but I also talk to the athletic director, Sheahon Zenger. "he just tells me to hold on board because it's coming soon. He tells me not to decommit because it's coming soon. I actually think he's talked to a lot of the recruits."
And so Willis goes on with his high school season. His Stags team is currently two wins away from a state championship. Because of a 10-0 record built on the back of blowout victories, Willis has played just four full games this season but has still managed to throw for 2,234 yards and 28 touchdowns.
With his team in the final stages of a title run, it's easy to see why he's rolling with the recruiting punches.
The school that has placed a call in regards to Willis' commitment status is Texas, which has not followed up its initial call to the Bishop Miege coaching staff. Instead, Willis only speaks to KU. Those conversations are frequent but informal.
"They just tell me they are looking for a new head coach," Willis said. "They're looking for somebody to bring the program back. They're also looking for a guy who is going to be nice to the players. They want a guy that is going to lead the program in the right direction."
Of course the quarterback has his own preference. He doesn't mind sharing it, either. If Willis had his way, nothing would change. Interim head coach Clint Bowen would fill the positional in the long term and Willis would live happily ever after.
" I would really, really like Coach Bowen," Willis said. "I really like him. That would be my choice. I sat in his office for about an hour about the situation. He's hoping he gets it, but he thinks he needs another win or so."
Willis committed to Kansas in May. He held a total of five scholarship offers at the time.