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Nighthawk Offensive Tackle Headed To BYU

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Seth Willis doesn't get the taste of glory running backs, quarterbacks, and receivers have during football season. But the Newtown High School offensive tackle, who is heading into his senior year, certainly hasn't been overlooked.

Far from it. Then again, Willis is hard to miss. Willis's imposing 6-foot-5, 310-pound frame stands out on the field, and Willis cannot only look forward to another season on the NHS grid iron, but a future at the collegiate level as well. Willis was recruited and picked Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Willis's path to collegiate football is about as under the radar as … well, offensive tackles in a 45-38 touchdown fest. For starters, Willis didn't make varsity until his junior year, meaning you can pretty much count the number of varsity games he's played on two hands.

"He really challenges himself to get better every day and that's why he has so much success," said Newtown High Coach Steve George, adding that Willis has grown into his body and developed his game rapidly. "He's very strong."

What's more, BYU wasn't even on Willis's radar until someone from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newtown, to which he belongs, sent film of his game action to the school.

"I visited back in April. Just meeting all the coaches, seeing how they interact with each other," Willis said. "I knew it was a place I wanted to play."

BYU is a private school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Willis trades in his Nighthawk blue and gold he'll suit up for the Cougars in blue and white.

The Cougars have competed in different conferences throughout the years, but have been an independent program since 2011. The Cougars, who have a 1984 national championship to their name, play a challenging schedule which, this year, includes Michigan State (where Nighthawk teammate Ben Mason will play next fall).

Willis has some of his future in mind; he plans to study kinesiology, physical education, or physical therapy. He's still got a year of high school to get under his belt before beginning college courses, and Willis is excited to get back onto the field with the Nighthawks.

Last year, the Hawks scored 40 or more points in eight of ten regular-season games. Willis had a lot to do with all of that offense; his job on the field is to block defenders, giving room for the skill position players to pile up points.

"It's not a glorious position, but he takes a lot of pride in getting better," George said.

Seth Willis prepares for the start of his final season at Newtown High. Next year he will play for BYU. (Bee Photo, Hutchison)
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