Willie Drew Explained

Willie Drew
Position:Cornerback
Birth Date:5 July 2000
Birth Place:Smithfield, Virginia, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lb:185
High School:Smithfield (Smithfield, Virginia)
College:James Madison (2018–2019)
Virginia State (2020–2023)
Undraftedyear:2024
Pastteams:
Pfr:DrewWi01

Willie Robert Drew Jr. (born July 5, 2000) is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football at James Madison and Virginia State.

Early life and high school

Drew attended high school at Smithfield High School. In Drew's first game as a senior he set a school and Bay Rivers District record throwing for 388 yards and four touchdowns on 21 completions.[1] In his senior season, Drew notched 50 tackles with five interception. Drew was also the team's quarterback where he threw for 1,447 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,154 yards and 18 touchdowns.[2] Coming out of high school, Drew decided to commit to play college football for the FCS powerhouse James Madison Dukes.[3] [4]

College career

James Madison

Drew played two seasons with James Madison in 2018 and 2019 where he totaled nine tackles and two pass deflections in eleven games.[5]

Virginia State

In 2021, Drew decided to transfer to play for the Virginia State Trojans.[6] During the 2023 season, Drew tallied 16 pass deflections and six interception en route to being named an AFCA first-team All-American.[7] Drew finished his three year career with the Trojans playing in 27 games notching 37 pass deflections, 11 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown.[8] Drew was also named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year.[9] After declaring for the 2024 NFL draft, Drew was invited to the Reese's senior bowl and to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.[10] [11]

Professional career

Drew went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, and signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.[12] [13] He was waived on August 11.[14]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: O'Brien . Marty . Smithfield's Willie Drew passes for BRD record 388 yards . The Virginian-Pilot . 4 September 2017 . 27 March 2024.
  2. Web site: Yanchulis . Kate . Daily Press All-Stars: Smithfield's Willie Drew ability to adapt bolstered his versatility . Daily Press . 23 December 2017 . 27 March 2024.
  3. Web site: Yanchulis . Kate . Smithfield's Willie Drew headlines quiet local signing day . The Virginian-Pilot . 20 December 2017 . 27 March 2024.
  4. Web site: O'Brien . Marty . Smithfield's Willie Drew commits to play football for JMU . The Virginian-Pilot . 6 October 2017 . 27 March 2024.
  5. Web site: Willie Drew . James Madison University Athletics . 28 March 2024.
  6. Web site: Berry . Mia . Virginia State's Willie Drew looks to show his growth and versatility at NFL combine . Andscape . 29 February 2024 . 27 March 2024.
  7. Web site: Madia . Greg . Virginia State cornerback Willie Drew's 'long journey' leads him to the NFL Combine . The Virginian-Pilot . 29 February 2024 . 27 March 2024.
  8. Mosley . Kyle . Willie Drew: 2024 NFL Scouting Combine . Sports Illustrated . 2 March 2024 . 27 March 2024.
  9. Web site: Johnson . Daniel . WILLIE DREW, VIRGINIA STATE STANDOUT, HAS A SOLID 40-YARD DASH PERFORMANCE, POISED FOR NFL SUCCESS AFTER SHOWCASE . Black Enterprise . 4 March 2024 . 27 March 2024.
  10. Web site: Hoffman . Jarrett . See how fast Virginia State DB Willie Drew ran the 40-yard-dash at NFL Combine . HBCU Sports . 1 March 2024 . 27 March 2024.
  11. Web site: Zierlein . Lance . Willie Drew Draft and Combine Prospect Profile . NFL.com . 28 March 2024.
  12. Web site: Faleski . Stephen . 2024-04-30 . From Smithfield High to the NFL: Willie Drew signs with Panthers . 2024-05-08 . Smithfield Times . en.
  13. Web site: Panthers make roster moves, including signing 19 undrafted free agents. Gantt, Darin. Panthers.com. May 10, 2024.
  14. Web site: Two more linemen signed, receiver added. Gantt, Darin. Panthers.com. August 11, 2024.