University of Georgia football player Devin Willock of New Jersey killed in crash after national title celebration

ATHENS, Ga. -- A New Jersey native and star college football player tragically died in a car accident early Sunday morning.

Devin Willock was an offensive lineman at the University of Georgia. Those who knew him told CBS2 the accident happened just as he achieved a major life goal.

On Saturday, Willock looked like he was on top of the world at the national championship parade for Georgia's football team.

However, Georgia police say the 20-year-old died hours later while riding in an SUV driven by 24-year-old Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. Police say the SUV struck two power poles and several trees at around 2:45 a.m. LeCroy also passed away.

Willock, who hailed from New Milford, graduated from Paramus Catholic High School in 2020.

"He was probably one of the best people I've ever met," former Paramus Catholic teammate Christian Mahogany said.

Mahogany said he last texted Willock after the national championship game and said, "Congrats brother. This is all you ever dreamed of."

"His parents were very fond of him and his brother very strict on him. It was football, school. That was really it. He was never a go-out type of kid. He was strictly business," Mahogany said.

Others who knew Willock said he worked hard to make a name for himself on and off the field, before the 6-foot-7, 335-pounder transferred to Paramus Catholic from New Milford High School.

"Initially, he didn't necessarily have the technical skills required to be a great player, but he always had the will and the desire and the work ethic and improved on his feet. He changed his body and by the end of his high school career he was a top regional recruit," said Todderick Hunt, senior recruiting reporter for NJ.com.

Right after Willock chose Georgia, he told the outlet Jersey Sports Zone, "I'm ready to be a big-time player down there. I'm looking to make a difference."

And quickly, the offensive lineman did, playing in 15 games this past season and starting in two.

The night before Willock's death, a UGA fan posted a photo of their 7-year-old grandson with Willock, who let him wear his championship ring.

On Sunday, at an Atlanta service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with President Joe Biden on stage, Sen. Raphael Warnock paid tribute to Willock.

"We lift these families and prayer. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly," Warnock said.

In a statement, UGA said, in part, that Willock and LeCroy were two "special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia."

Paramus Catholic said its school community is devastated, adding its thoughts and prayers are with Willock's family and friends.

Two other people were also in the vehicle and survived. They are currently in the hospital.

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