Even though injuries dampened North Olmsted’s star wide receiver Collin Willard’s senior season, it did not take away the demand for his talent on the field.
On Oct. 4, the Eagle made his college choice to play football at Eastern Illinois on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I would like to thank god for my ability to play football at the Division I level,” He said. “Thank you to my family who has supported me along this journey. Thank you to all the universities that have recruited me. Thanks you to all my teammates who have been there for me and have become apart of my family. Thank you to the city of North Olmsted for always supporting me. Lastly, I would like to thank my coaches. … thank you for always pushing me and making me the best I can be! with that being said, I’m happy to say that I have committed to Eastern Illinois.”
COMMITTED!!! @NOFBpersist @CoachBoyeas @CoachMartyT @gotmaq @CoachDerickson @FB_Coach_Wilk @CoachJoeDavis pic.twitter.com/afUYDRlleD
— collin willard (@collinwillard17) October 4, 2023
Eastern Illinois has one of the best FCS programs in the country. It is 4-1 and ranked 25th in the country in the FCS Coaches Poll. This is its best start to a season since 2013.
After missing a number of games due to injury, Willard was recently cleared to play again.
North Olmsted immediately felt his impact in the Eagles’ 19-17 win against Elyria Catholic, as he caught a 69-yard touchdown pass, for the game’s first touchdown.
He was a second-team all-district player in 2022 with 51 receptions, 911 yards and 12 touchdowns. His ball skills translated on defense too, to lead North Olmsted with two of his three interceptions go back for touchdowns. When fully healthy, Willard was a dangerous playmaker alongside teammate Jared Kelley and quarterback Xavier Balson.
North Olmsted is 1-6 (1-1 in Great Lakes Conference West) and will travel to play Fairview (1-6, 0-2 in GLC West) on Oct. 6.
