Willett locked in post as linebacker for Pioneers

Gentry linebacker Tucker Willett moves toward the play against Huntsville during 7-on-7 play at Harmon Stadium in Fayetteville.
Gentry linebacker Tucker Willett moves toward the play against Huntsville during 7-on-7 play at Harmon Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE - Tucker Willett leaned over, said something to a teammate and pointed at the opposing receiver as he flared out wide prior to the snap in last week’s Northwest Arkansas Passing League game at Harmon Stadium.

Willett’s leadership and overall football knowledge should set him up to have a strong senior season, Gentry coach Brian Little said.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound outside linebacker from Gentry has worked hard over the summer to stay in shape with almost daily work in the weight room and early morning runs.

Willett’s commitment to improve in the off season has also shown up big, Little said.

“In this day and time, it’s tough,” Little said. “Kids have other interests or other obligations. They want to do some things in the summer, but he’s been able to manage that. He has a job, but he’s been able to be committed and be here at every workout.

“It boils down to as a senior that leadership you expect is emerging. He’s not as vocal as I’d like him to be at times, but he has the knowledge and can help others and be a leader for us.”

Willett’s work at quarterback as a freshman has served him well on the defensive side of the ball, Little said.

“His knowledge of our system on both sides of the ball gives him an advantage,” Little said. “He started at both quarterback and outside linebacker as a freshman for us. It’s not like we gave up on him as a quarterback; but because of our personnel, he went to linebacker.

“He’s always been a tenacious hitter and really liked contact. He has a knack for playing that position.”

Willett agreed his time as a quarterback helps him as a defensive player.

“I like to think so,” Willett said. “I feel like I know what the offenses are going to try to do and know where they will try to attack.”

He also understands his role as a senior and is looking forward to helping the Pioneers to a solid season after combining for just three wins over the past two seasons.

“I know I need to be more vocal,” Willett said. “After the last two years, we need to come out and prove a lot, shock some people.

“I think we were lacking leadership and accountability from the younger classes. The seniors were there, but some of the younger ones didn’t want to show up. We have to be accountable.”

This summer’s 7-on-7 tournaments have proven to be a good starting point for the Pioneers, Willett said.

“We went down toCharleston and started 0-2, but finished up 8-3 and played in the championship game,” Willett said. “It was awesome. We lost on a two-point conversion in the final seconds.

“I feel like we can build on it and give ourselves some confidence.”

Little said Willett’s mentality and work ethic are exactly what the Pioneers need to be successful this season.

“He’s a football junkie,” Little said. “His older brother played for me, and he had another brother who was a very talented football player. It’s in his blood. He really loves that game. It helps go a long way with his attitude and approach.”

Sports, Pages 9 on 07/24/2013