He's learned calming exercises. He's taken classes to help him control his emotions. And he's learned the value of communication, of expressing himself more clearly when things get tough.
But maybe the biggest thing helping Gerald Willis find a fresh start at Miami is just plain, old-fashioned support — from a former high school teammate determined to help him find his way, from a coach willing to give him a second chance, and from a team welcoming him with open arms, despite the fact he was wearing a rival's colors at this time last year.
"Coming from Florida, I didn't have that type of relationship with those guys like I do here," the defensive end said after a Sunday afternoon practice.