Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

One of the most productive players in the area over the past three seasons has made a decision on his football future.

Liberty High all-stater Darius Willis-Newell announced his commitment to Iowa Central Community College on Monday with a post on social media.

“Excited to announce that I will be attending Iowa Central Community College to continue my football career and academics,” Willis-Newell wrote on Twitter. “I’d like to thank my family, my coaches and everyone who has helped me along the way.”

A three-year starter for the Lightning, Willis-Newell filled the stat sheet while excelling on both sides of the ball during his prep career.

As a sophomore and junior Willis-Newell stood out on defense, making 81.5 tackles including 51 solo stops and 7.5 tackles for loss in his first two varsity seasons.

Last season Willis-Newell emerged as a difference maker on the other side of the ball rushing for more than 1,000 yards on his way to being a Class 4A third-team all-state selection as a running back.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Willis-Newell rushed for 1,064 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior while averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

He had a school-record 306 yards and four touchdowns against Clear Creek Amana.

Willis-Newell closed his career with 1,405 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

On defense Willis-Newell racked up 102.5 career tackles including 62 solo stops, four sacks and 11 tackles for loss to go with a pair of interceptions.

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