Willis Named 2021 Bobby Bowden Trophy Award Winner
1/21/2022 4:43:33 PM | Football
In recognition of his stellar play on the field and outstanding character off the gridiron, Liberty’s Malik Willis has been named the 2021 Bobby Bowden Trophy winner.
The Bobby Bowden Trophy recognizes the college football playoff player who epitomizes a student-athlete of faith. The award winner must conduct himself as an exemplary model in the classroom, on the field, on campus and in the community.
Willis was one of three finalists for this year’s honor. He was joined on the list by Georgia kicker/punter Jake Camarda and Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Previous award winners include some of the nation’s elite players like Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa (2019 award winner) and Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence (2020 award winner).
Willis had an award-winning season in 2021. The quarterback was a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award and the Maxwell Award and a top 10 candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
The native of Atlanta, Ga., was also on numerous national award watch lists: CFPA National Performer of the Year Award, Manning Award, Reese’s Senior Bowl, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2021-22 Preseason Big Board.
On Nov. 29, it was announced Willis accepted an invitation to play in the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl is considered the most prominent college football all-star game in the United States and is the first stage in the NFL Draft process.
Willis was Liberty’s top offensive threat, accounting for 65.9 percent of the Flames’ total offensive yards in 2021 (Team Yards: 5,671/Willis: 3,736 – Rush 878, Pass 2,857). Willis’ total offensive yards rank No. 2 in single-season program history.
On the season, Willis completed 207-of-339 passing attempts for 2,857 yards and 27 touchdowns. The redshirt junior was also Liberty’s leading rusher, having carried the ball 197 times for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Willis led the Flames to their third-straight bowl win when Liberty knocked off Eastern Michigan, 56-20, in the LendingTree Bowl on Dec. 18. Willis was named the game’s overall MVP after accounting for five touchdowns (two rushing; three passing) and 289 total offensive yards in the victory.
Willis finished the year ranked No. 8 in the country in points responsible for (242/18.6 per game), No. 18 in passing touchdowns (27), No. 20 total offense (287.7 yards per game), and No. 20 in passing yards per competition (13.83).
The Bobby Bowden Trophy award is named after former Florida State University head football coach Bobby Bowden. Bowden posted 411 career wins during his 44 years as head coaching, including 34 season at Florida State.
While at Florida State, Bowden guided the Seminoles to 14-straight top five finishes in the AP poll from 1987 to 2000. During this run, Florida State’s record was 152-18-1 and captured national championships in 1993 and 1999.
Bowden is the only coach to ever lead his team to 15 consecutive New Year’s Day bowl games (1991 - 2005) and his are tied for the most appearances in BCS bowl games with six. He is the only coach in NCAA history to win 11 consecutive bowl games (1985-95) and the only coach ever with 14 consecutive bowl appearances (1982-95) without a loss.
Bobby Bowden Trophy Award Winners
2003 - Jason Wright, Northwestern
2004 - Billy Bajema, Oklahoma State
2005 - D.J. Shockley, Georgia
2006 - Carl Pendleton, Oklahoma
2007 - Jacob Tamme, Kentucky
2008 - Stephen McGee, Texas A&M
2009 - Colt McCoy, Texas
2010 - Christian Ponder, Florida State
2011 - Case Keenum, Houston
2012 - Ashton Richardson, Auburn
2013 - Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
2014 - Bryce Petty, Baylor
2015 - Ty Darlington, Oklahoma
2016 - DeShaun Watson, Clemson
2017 - Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
2018 - Hunter Renfroe, Clemson
2019 - Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
2020 - Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
2021 – Malik Willis, Liberty
