Willy Earns Invite To NFL Combine

Quarterback makes it three straight years that Bulls have representation at Combine

Drew Willy

BUFFALO, NY – Record-setting University at Buffalo quarterback Drew Willy has been invited to attend the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from February 18-24.

Willy, fresh off throwing a touchdown pass to help lead The Nation to a 27-24 win over Texas in the third annual Texas vs. The Nation game in El Paso, TX, got word late last week that he has been invited to the combine.

It will be the third straight year that a former Bulls' player will participate in the prestigious combine, which focuses on players expected to be drafted. Willy follows Chad Upshaw (2007) and Jamey Richard (2008) as attendees. Currently, Willy is among 21 quarterbacks in the country to earn an invite.

Willy has returned to New Jersey to train at the Parisi Speed School with several other NFL prospects, after spending last week in El Paso for the Texas vs. the Nation game.

“I'm really excited,” said Willy, “this is what I've been working towards, trying to get that opportunity. I've been working with some great people as well as with Jerry Rhome – who has worked with Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Kurt Warner and a bunch of other quarterbacks – to get me ready. Jerry has taught me so much about protections, really picking up where coach (Danny) Barrett left off, just getitng into a little more complex stuff.”

Willy, who lived in El Paso for a few years as a child, enjoyed taking part in the senior all-star game which was blanketed by NFL scouts.

“I got there Sunday night and took a bunch of psychology tests for the scouts there,” said Willy. “The scouts were mostly there for practices Monday through Wednesday. I thought I threw it pretty well. The first two days the weather was kind of like Buffalo, pretty windy, and I was just trying to get the timing and routes down with the receivers. We spent a lot of time in seven-on-seven (drills) and one-on-ones and watching a lot of film since you have to try to learn a lot in a week in regards to the playbook.

“The practices went pretty well, and I ran a 4.8 during individual testing, and that's the best I've ever run,” said Willy. “I hope to get that into the 4.7's by the combine or at our Pro Day in Buffalo. I'm surrounded by a bunch of great people getting me ready for this opportunity, I'm really focusing on my nutrition and I've never felt better.”

Willy, who owns every passing record in Buffalo school history including completions and touchdowns, is attempting to become the first UB quarterback ever drafted in the NFL.

“It's a tremendous honor for Drew to have an opportunity to showcase his skills at the NFL Combine,” said Buffalo head coach Turner Gill, “and it speaks volumes about the program that we are building here at Buffalo that we have had representation there for three straight years. I know Drew will have himself ready to make the most of this opportunity.”