Whether it's going un-drafted or surviving Chicago Bears' linebacker Don Bostic's crushing hit, Mike Willie continues to bounce back. The former ASU wide receiver now plays for the San Diego Chargers and hopes to move on beyond the taxi-squad.
Preseason games are often considered meaningless, but youngsters like Willie completely disagree. Willie received repetitions with the second unit and third unit in the Chargers' showdown with Chicago this week and cashed in on the opportunity by posting three receptions, 25 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, the game was televised on ESPN, so the Chargers might not be the only team paying attention to Willie's efforts.
On the trips to pay dirt, Willie went over the middle on a crisp 2-yard slant route and showcased impressive athleticism on a 6-yard bubble screen pass. Going forward, the Chargers are desperate for help at the wide receiver position, so Willie could be in the mix to make his regular season debut.
Gerell Robinson, Willie's ex-ASU teammate and fellow wide receiver, dished out some kudos on twitter. By the way, Robinson currently plays for the Denver Broncos, the Chargers' AFC West rival.
@WillieUno i see you!! Go get it!
— Gerell Robinson (@G_Rob10) August 16, 2013
During Willie's two seasons in Tempe, he accumulated 72 receptions, 879 yards and nine touchdowns.
If prep receivers watch Willie, the new Todd Graham "boom" train could get larger when he represents ASU on the NFL Network next Saturday night.
ASU fans have a chance to see Willie locally, as the Chargers take on the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale for that Saturday night affair.