Four-star defensive end returns to College Park for first visit in nearly two years

The last time that four-star defensive end Ernest Willor visited Maryland was the day the staff offered the then-standout St. Paul’s (MD) back in September of 2021. Fast forward to March 7 and Willor, now considered among the best athletes in the nation now at IMG Academy (FL), returned to College Park with his family where he was able to see some familiar faces during one-on-one time with the coaching staff.

“I talked to coach [Brian] Williams almost as soon as I got there. Walked around with him, talked with coach Locks before I left,” Willor told IBG. “Me and coach Williams, it was mostly catching up, explaining the culture, how they run their defense.” With a 6-foot-3, 253-pound frame, Willor could fit in as an outside ‘backer or defensive end depending on personnel. “He said I could really play either because of my versatility and how I move.” The relationship that the two have shared dates back to Willor’s sophomore season as Williams leads his recruitment.

“He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s into his players. He’s not afraid to tell his players how it is,” Willor said of his position coach. “After checking out the facilities and watching the team workout, Willor closed out the visit with a one-on-one meeting with head coach Mike Locksley. “He was mostly talking about building the relationship, trying to get me to come up as much as possible. He wants me to get comfortable up on campus.”

After Willor made the move to Florida, the expectation was that the odds of him returning back to the area for college were slim but he says that’s not the case. “It doesn’t matter as much to me. Location, it’s going to mostly be about the fit for me. I think I can play anywhere.”

With offers from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame and Ohio State among a long list of other Power Five schools, Willor could be headed up north to check out another Big Ten school next.

“I might be getting up to Michigan next week.”

Willor is rated a four-star prospect and a 91 overall by On3, sitting as the nation’s 182nd-best prospect in the nation.

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