Xavier Truss, Georgia offensive line growing closer through loss of Devin Willock
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia offensive line brings back four of five starters from the National Championship Game, but at the same time, it’s easily the group that changed the most during the offseason. Of course that’s because of the tragic death of Devin Willock in a car crash on January 15th. While Willock isn’t with the team physically this spring, he’s there every step of the way – especially in the offensive line room.
“Devin, it always feels like he’s still here and he’s still with us in the o-line room because a lot of the film that we’re watching and coaching — especially the young guys — it’s last year’s film. He’s always on there, and his big body’s, like, always running around and everything. You get to see him every day,” Georgia offensive lineman Xavier Truss said. “Somebody — I’m not sure who drew it — but somebody gave our offensive line room a portrait — like a hand-drawn portrait — of Devin, and it sits right above the door. You know, you get to see it every time you walk in and out. His seat up front, it stays empty, so it always feels like he’s there. He’s always there with us. He’s always there.”
Willock played in all 15 games last season for Georgia, starting two including the Bulldogs’ big win over then-No. 1 ranked Tennessee. That’s because Truss was largely limited due to injury, playing only on place kick protection in the 27-13 victory over the Vols.
Truss and Willock were best of friends and roommates. The two battled for starting spots last spring and found connection over their shared Northeastern roots. Through the aftermath of the tragedy, Truss and other Georgia teammates have made sure to check in on Willock’s family and have a greater sense of appreciation for life because of his death.
“I mean, obviously that was something that was incredibly hard, not just on myself obviously, but on the entire unit, on the o-line, on the entire team,” Truss said. “That’s a part of my life, you know, that I’ll always embrace the relationship I have with all my teammates and everything now.”
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“As much of a pain in my heart that it was, I’m trying to see the bright side of things now,” he continued. “Devin always had such a great energy that he always brought into the facility, so I feel like our best way to honor him is to have that same energy he always brought, the grit that he played with and everything.”
The team has taken up the motto of “Do It For Dev” and several members of the offensive line got tattoos to memorialize their fallen teammate. Amarius Mims’ drew attention on social media shortly after Willock’s death. Truss, who does not have any tattoos, says he has plans to do something special to keep Willock with him forever.
“It’s something that will never leave our minds. He was one of our brothers, one of our best friends,” Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge said. “We’ve got a picture in the offensive line room now. I’ve got this [tattoo] on my wrist for him. Yeah, it’s just something that will always just come about. Even when we’re watching plays — old plays come up, and you see him there. We always know he’s there with us and taking care of us.”
“It’s definitely there. We just actually put a portrait up of him in the offensive line room,” another offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran added. “You know, that’s a guy that I came in with, so you know it’s tough. You definitely want to make sure that you take advantage of those things.”
