Last year, the Carolina Panthers had a chance to draft a Cam Newton disciple in quarterback Justin Fields. Alas, and perhaps to a folly, they did not.
But they may have another opportunity to start raising themselves another baby Cam this spring.
That aforementioned bond between Newton and Fields is a special one. The current starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears and 2021’s 11th overall pick played under the Carolina great in his 7v7 program as a high schooler—in which Newton served as a coach, mentor, inspiration and top-tier hype man for the youngster . . .
Like Fields, 2022 draft prospect Malik Willis came up under Newton’s tutelage. He also played on Cam’s 7v7 squad and also learned part of the game from the 2015 Most Valuable Player.
Cam Newton All-Star QB Malik Willis @Willis_Malik7 dominating the Colquitt County defense Friday leading Roswell pic.twitter.com/EwBsyDGM2T
— Cam Newton 7V7 (@CamNewton7v7) September 12, 2016
Before transferring to Roswell High School for his senior year, Willis attended Westlake in Atlanta, Ga.—the same high school Newton graduated from. He’d then commit to Auburn University—Newton’s alma mater—in December of 2016.
After two seasons at Auburn, having appeared in seven games between 2017 and 2018, Willis moved on to Liberty University—where he’d break out as one of the nation’s most electrifying players. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder totaled 74 touchdowns and 6,942 yards of total offense in his two campaigns with the Flames.
Willis, who is currently turning all the heads at the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., was even asked about his relationship with Newton. The 22-year-old gave a little insight to his connection with the 11-year NFL veteran.
“He used to always drop in and stuff,” he said on Wednesday. “I played for his seven-on-seven team. He always gave me nuggets of information that I could keep with me for the rest of my life. He’s definitely been a big part of that.”
Now, the Panthers could be looking to make Willis a big part of their future plans, as his draft stock may be set to embark on a meteoric rise. So don’t screw this up again, guys.
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