Miami's Gerald Willis takes leave of absence for 2017 season

Miami will be without Gerald Willis for the 2017 season, as the defensive lineman will sit out the entire schedule after taking a personal leave of absence.

"Gerald remains part of the Miami family and may take part in designated team activities," head coach Mark Richt said in a statement obtained by Christopher Stock of 247 Sports.

Willis appeared in nine games for the Hurricanes last season, finishing with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was expected to be a solid depth piece for Richt's defense in the 2017 season.