St. Joe’s (Mont.) is known for its ability to produce high-level offensive line talent who continue their football careers into college and the professional ranks. Now the Green Knights are becoming a factory for turning out Power 5 caliber running backs.
Yasin Willis, a Newark native and the No. 1 ranked running back in New Jersey, announced on social media this evening that he’s given a verbal commitment to the University of Pittsburgh.
Watch Yasin Willis’ JSZ Junior Year Highlights!
The 6’0″, 225 pound bruising tailback chose the Panthers after going through a national recruitment where he received over a dozen offers from Power 5 programs. Willis’ final three schools also included Alabama and Rutgers.
Willis parlayed his physical running style into a breakout junior season with the Green Knights. He rushed for 1,117 yards and 17 touchdown carries while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He’s now eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in back-to-back seasons and will look to make it three-in-a-row this fall. Willis is expected to carry the load for a Green Knights team with high expectations and hopes to win New Jersey’s coveted Non-Public A state championship.
Pitt fans are certainly familiar with what New Jersey players can do when they arrive in the Steel City. The Garden State has sent numerous players to play at Pitt over the years, most notably of those being former Ocean Township QB and current Pittsburgh Steeler QB Kenny Pickett.