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Former Kansas football quarterback Ryan Willis aiming for the NFL

By Conner Becker

LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Willis #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 29, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 55-19. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Willis #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 29, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 55-19. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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After getting drafted into The Spring League, former Kansas football quarterback Ryan Willis became the league’s passing leader with 1,680 yards and 13 touchdowns with “The Linemen.”

Willis left Kansas after the 2016 season, transferring to Virginia Tech to finish his college career. He would miss considerable playing time due to a foot injury, limiting his exposure during his senior season.

However, he would get a chance to take the next step in The Spring League, a developmental league for both young/veteran professional players. Since then, it appears his short tenure in the league has gone well, scoring MVP honors from a strong, late win in The Spring League Mega Bowl.

Better yet, he’s been under the guidance of Hal Mumme, an experienced college coach with time spent in both The Spring League and the XFL.

At 24 years of age, Willis has some youth left to him, along with great college/TSL experience. He’s bound to get some attention from NFL scouts, considering his reliability this past season and his rebound from his senior injury with the Hokies, which may have kept a few teams on the fence in 2019.

Willis is a confident passer, and his consistency is something that shouldn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts looking to find a trustworthy backup to build upon. He’s not likely going find the starting job out of the gate, but he’s got the makings of a diamond in the rough.

"“I’ve been having Zoom meetings with different quarterback coaches across the league,” Willis said. “My name’s out there.”Willis on his latest discussions about joining the NFL. (The Athletic)"

The NFL hasn’t been giving Willis the cold shoulder either. This past year, Willis had engaged in talks with the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, according to The Athletic.

It sounds like the former Jayhawk/Hokie is on the cusp of finding a home in the NFL, and his impressive finish to the Mega Bowl will certainly help his odds. Fans will need to keep their eyes open for any offseason talk regarding Willis, because it may be the good news he’s been waiting for.

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