The Belgrade Blue Dragons, Serbian quarterfinalists in 2017, have signed hard-hitting defensive back Nathan Willis from Great Britain.
The 5’11”, 190 lb, 19 year old from Coventry, England is a member of the Filton College American Football Academy team that defeated two British university teams in 2017, Portsmouth and Exeter . He recorded 71 tackles last season along with eight interceptions.
Willis started playing American football at the age of 14 for his local club, the Coventry Jets, from where he was recruited to the Filton Academy. Late last year, he was selected to play for the Europe Warriros U19 team that traveled to Mexico to play in the Aztec Bowl.
He also played four games for the Bristol Aztecs of the British Premier League recording 22 tackles and three interceptions.
He was picked to play on Great Britain’s U19 national team helping them to defeat Team France.
Blue Dragons head coach James J. Fayed:
“I saw his film. I was impressed by his skill. He is like a hawk, a ball hunter, and he can strike when necessary. He firmly believes that he can create a turnover on every play. His profile fits what we have been doing as a team for some time. Here we work differently, we strive to build our mentality, and Nathan fits in. We are pleased and we look forward to being in the hunt for the championship title.”
Willis has gained a reputation for having a nose for the ball:
“I always watch where the ball is, it’s my job. If I cannot get to the ball I will go through a teammate to get to it.
