Willie Robert Drew Jr. (born July 5, 2000) is an American football cornerback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played for the James Madison Dukes and Virginia State Trojans.
| Carolina Panthers | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | July 5, 2000 Smithfield, Virginia, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight: | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Smithfield (Smithfield, Virginia) |
| College: | James Madison (2018–2019) Virginia State (2020–2023) |
| Undrafted: | 2024 |
| Career history | |
| |
| Roster status: | Undrafted free agent |
Early life and high school edit
Drew attended high school at Smithfield High School. In Drew's first game as a senior he set a school and Bay Rivers District record throwing for 388 yards and four touchdowns on 21 completions.[1] In his senior season, Drew notched 50 tackles with five interception. Drew was also the team's quarterback where he threw for 1,447 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,154 yards and 18 touchdowns.[2] Coming out of high school, Drew decided to commit to play college football for the FCS powerhouse James Madison Dukes.[3][4]
College career edit
James Madison edit
Drew played two seasons with James Madison in 2018 and 2019 where he totaled nine tackles and two pass deflections in eleven games.[5]
Virginia State edit
In 2021, Drew decided to transfer to play for the Virginia State Trojans.[6] During the 2023 season, Drew tallied 16 pass deflections and six interception en route to being named an AFCA first-team All-American.[7] Drew finished his three year career with the Trojans playing in 27 games notching 37 pass deflections, 11 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown.[8] Drew was also named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year.[9] After declaring for the 2024 NFL draft, Drew was invited to the Reese's senior bowl and to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.[10][11]
References edit
- ^ O'Brien, Marty (4 September 2017). "Smithfield's Willie Drew passes for BRD record 388 yards". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Yanchulis, Kate (23 December 2017). "Daily Press All-Stars: Smithfield's Willie Drew ability to adapt bolstered his versatility". Daily Press. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Yanchulis, Kate (20 December 2017). "Smithfield's Willie Drew headlines quiet local signing day". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ O'Brien, Marty (6 October 2017). "Smithfield's Willie Drew commits to play football for JMU". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Willie Drew". James Madison University Athletics. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ Berry, Mia (29 February 2024). "Virginia State's Willie Drew looks to show his growth and versatility at NFL combine". Andscape. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Madia, Greg (29 February 2024). "Virginia State cornerback Willie Drew's 'long journey' leads him to the NFL Combine". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Mosley, Kyle (2 March 2024). "Willie Drew: 2024 NFL Scouting Combine". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Daniel (4 March 2024). "WILLIE DREW, VIRGINIA STATE STANDOUT, HAS A SOLID 40-YARD DASH PERFORMANCE, POISED FOR NFL SUCCESS AFTER SHOWCASE". Black Enterprise. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Hoffman, Jarrett (1 March 2024). "See how fast Virginia State DB Willie Drew ran the 40-yard-dash at NFL Combine". HBCU Sports. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Zierlein, Lance. "Willie Drew Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved 28 March 2024.