Willis Named Top 10 Candidate for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

End of the year honors continue to roll in for Liberty’s Malik Willis who has been named a top 10 candidate for the 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation and presenting partner, A. O. Smith, announced the top 10 candidates earlier today.

Not only have these players achieved success on the field, but they are leaders in their communities. This award strives to highlight and acknowledge these off-the-field achievements as well as shine a light on their athletic talent.

The 2021 award winner will be presented the Golden Arm Award trophy by The Johnny Unitas Educational Foundation President, John Unitas, Jr., at the Golden Arm Award banquet and celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Md., on Friday, December 10, 2021.

Willis continues to be Liberty’s top offensive threat, accounting for 66.6 percent of the Flames’ total offensive yards in 2021 (Team Yards: 4,009/Willis: 2,670 – Rush 684, Pass 1,986).

On the season, Willis has completed 140-of-210 passing attempts for 1,986 yards and 21 touchdowns. The redshirt junior is also Liberty’s leading rusher, having carried the ball 126 times for 684 yards and nine touchdowns.

Willis moved over the 4,000-yard passing mark during the Flames’ come-from-behind win at North Texas on October 23. In 34 career games, including his time as a back-up quarterback at Auburn, Willis has thrown for 4,315 yards and 42 career touchdowns. He has also rushed for 1,937 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Willis currently ranks No. 4 in the country in points responsible for (182/20.2 per game), No. 8 in passing efficiency (173.6), No. 10 in passing touchdowns (21), No. 14 in passing yards per completion (14.22), No. 18 in total offense (297.2 yards per game) and No. 25 in rushing touchdowns (9).

2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 10 Candidates

Brennan Armstrong, Virginia

Anthony Brown, Oregon

Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Sam Hartman, Wake Forest

Devin Leary, NC State

Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Carson Strong, Nevada

Malik Willis, Liberty