Mullen linebacker Leilon Willingham signed to attend Central Florida on Thursday, along with teammate Rayshon Williams, a wide receiver.
Willingham chose the Knights over offers from Colorado, Arizona State, Michigan and Washington, among many other schools.
“I got calls from everybody,” Willingham said in Mullen’s gym after the signing ceremony. “All the coaches — every coach on every coaching staff. There was a lot of pressure coming from a lot of places, so I just turned my phone off and made the decision that I felt comfortable with.”
Willingham visited UCF with Williams last weekend. Williams committed on that visit and also signed with UCF on Thursday.
But Williams’ presence, Willingham said, really wasn’t a factor in his decision.
“That was just something that came along with it,” he said. “When I made my decision, I took football and Rayshon out of the picture.”
Willingham, who plays outside linebacker, finished with a team-leading 156 tackles last season, as well as five sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception. He is The Post’s No. 2 in-state prospect.
“I saw him on film, and he is a very impressive player on film but even more impressive when you get a chance to sit down and visit with him,” UCF coach George O’Leary said Thursday. “We’re very fortunate to acquire his talent.”
Ryan Casey: 303-954-1983 or rcasey@denverpost.com
