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'Last Chance U' to Bengals starter: Inside Damion Willis' unlikely rise

CINCINNATI -- All Damion Willis ever wanted was a chance.

So during a TV timeout in last week’s preseason game against the New York Giants, the Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver looked at quarterback Ryan Finley in the huddle and asked for the ball.

"Just give me a shot," Willis said.

On the next play, Willis leaped over Giants starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and came down with the 33-yard completion. The catch virtually cemented an opportunity that seemed improbable a few weeks ago.

When training camp started, Willis was an undrafted free agent from a small town in Mississippi who started his college career at a junior college.