Wide receiver Corey Willis ‘excited’ for opportunity with Arizona Cardinals
Senior wide receiver Corey Willis poses for a portrait on Nov. 20 at the Indoor Athletic Complex.
With about 20 picks left in the 2018 NFL Draft, Central Michigan wide receiver Corey Willis received a phone call from his agents at US Sports Management, Robert Walker and Josh Apple.
The phone call consisted of the duo telling him he would be joining the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent signing.
“They basically told me I was going to be an Arizona Cardinal,” Willis said. “With the undrafted route, it happens fast. My agents had to make a decision on the fly and pick what was best for me.
“They researched and looked at the guys who they had on the team and the receivers on the roster. After that, they figured it was the best chance for me to make an NFL team. Arizona was a team I wanted to play for since the start, so it was an exciting time.”
Along with Arizona, the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings “really wanted” Willis, but his agents believed the Cardinals were the best opportunity.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound slot receiver caught 42 passes for 625 yards and nine touchdowns in his senior 2017 season for the Chippewas. He reports to rookie mini-camp from May 11-14 and starts organized team activities with the Cardinals on May 21.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to get out of Michigan a little bit, get down there, and get to work for the Arizona Cardinals,” Willis said.
Willis developed a connection with Cardinals scout Darrius Vinnett during his senior year in Mount Pleasant, as Vinnett attended multiple practices and games to see the wide receiver in action.
“He was the guy I got a real connection with,” Willis said. “We had a conversation early on. I also got a chance to talk with the offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach and all the other coaches.”
If Willis makes Arizona’s active roster, he plans to show his skills on special teams to work into a wide receiver role. Once he accomplishes that, Willis will attempt to make the move from wide receiver to slot receiver.
“I haven’t really gotten down with the specifics,” Willis said. “I’m just focused on making the team and then helping make the team better.
“The main thing is finding my niche on special teams.”
From Holland, Michigan, Willis played four seasons in Mount Pleasant, making 161 receptions for 2,394 yards and 23 touchdowns.
One of Willis’ most memorable moments was a game-winning 71-yard touchdown reception against Western Michigan on Nov. 18 from quarterback Shane Morris.
“I felt like I maintained a legacy,” Willis said. “When I came to CMU, there was already a legacy with wide receivers. Before I came, it was Antonio Brown, Cody Wilson and Titus Davis. They all went on to have chances in the NFL.
“Individually, I think I left a legacy of playing hard every time when I’m on the field.”
Willis tore his ACL in his senior year at Holland High School after CMU extended him a scholarship offer. Throughout the injury, the offer remained on the table because the Chippewas had faith in Willis to be successful.
For that, he is thankful.
“I can’t even put it into words how thankful I am for Central Michigan,” Willis said. “They gave me my first offer out of high school. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. When Coach (Bonamego) got there, it was a clean slate, so I can’t thank him enough for helping create a path for me.
“Hopefully, I can repay them in some way.”
