Even a run-stuffing, smothering defensive tackle like Gerald Willis III feels pain.
Willis, the Outland Trophy National Player of the Month who on Wednesday was nominated for the Chuck Bednarik Award that goes to the defensive player of the year, said he never felt as much pain in his life as he did early against Florida State, when the middle finger of his left hand got stuck in tailback Jacques Patrick’s jersey.
“My bone popped out,’’ the 6-4, 300-pound redshirt senior said Wednesday after practice, his finger splinted and taped to his pointer after trainer Vinny Scavo “popped it back in” during the game.