Patrick Willis attended Central High School in Bruceton, Tennessee where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, baseball, and basketball. He was an all-district performer on the baseball team and was all-district, all-west Tennessee and honorable mention all-state on the basketball team. He was also district MVP in basketball as a senior. He was a four-year starter on the football team, playing both running back and linebacker. He earned all-region honors his freshman and sophomore seasons and was also honorable mention all-state as a sophomore. As a junior, Willis earned all-state and all-West Tennessee honors. He was named regional defensive player of the year at the conclusion of the season. As a senior running back, Willis carried the ball 194 times for 2,167 yards and 30 touchdowns. On defense he recorded 163 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 interceptions on the year. He finished his career with 276 carries for 2,486 yards and 39 touchdowns on offense. He also caught 51 passes for 946 yards and 17 scores during his time at Central High. On defense he finished his career with 494 tackles, 23 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 6 touchdowns. He accepted a scholarship to Ole Miss where he saw action in all 13 games as a true freshman, totaling 20 tackles on the season. Patrick moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore where he recorded 70 tackles and led the team with 5 quarterback sacks. He was named honorable mention all-SEC for his performance that season. By his junior season, Willis had developed into one of the top linebackers in college football, totaling 128 tackles, 3 sacks 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles on his way to first team all-SEC honors.

Patrick Willis has a good deal of experience against top competition, having started the past three seasons at middle linebacker for the Rebels in the SEC. He is an intelligent player who knows how to read offensive plays, which usually results in him being in position to make big play for the defense. He is a hard worker and an excellent leader. He displayed his toughness as a junior when he played through several injuries including a broken finger, sprained knee, and a separated shoulder. He spent a good deal of that season with a cast on his right hand. He is a good athlete with above average speed for a linebacker. He is a solid, wrap-up tackler who makes plays sideline to sideline. His speed and athleticism allows him to effectively cover tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield. Willis is also a productive pass rusher with good closing speed getting to the quarterback. Patrick Willis does lack ideal size for a middle linebacker. He isn’t very strong at the point of attack and would benefit from bulking up some and increasing his strength. He is one of the top linebackers available and should be a first round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.