Damion Willis stood midcourt on the dark-stained hardwood of Southeast Lauderdale High School’s gymnasium.

Willis sported a pink Ralph Lauren polo and frayed jean shorts, and he clutched a microphone in his right hand as he shared stories of his athletic journey to the more than 100 members of the Southeast Lauderdale community crammed inside the gym.

Just four years before, many of those in attendance cheered on Willis during his days as a wide receiver on the football field. Their support continued as Willis pursued his academic and athletic dreams at East Mississippi Community College and Troy University.

On Saturday, he returned to his alma mater just one week after signing an undrafted free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Southeast Lauderdale recognized Willis with a jersey retirement ceremony as part of its community day celebrations.

“It feels pretty good because now I think I’m the third person to ever get their number retired in football there,” Willis said. “It was a good turnout, and I had fun speaking to them.”

Willis’ high school quarterbacks and friends, Andrew Black and Takari Brooks, presented Willis with two jerseys. Willis was given his white Tigers’ jersey, while his blue jersey, which was encased in a black-and-white frame, will remain at the school.

Willis posted three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons for Southeast Lauderdale and ended his senior year having tallied 1,154 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns.

After pulling in a career 691 yards receiving and seven touchdowns at East Mississippi, Willis joined Troy’s football program, where he was one of the Sun Belt Conference’s most productive receivers.

He ended his career as a Trojan with 1,496 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns in two seasons. Willis earned First Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors as a senior, and he was named the 2018 Dollar General Bowl’s most valuable player on offense after hauling in 13 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll graduate from Troy next Friday with a degree in broadcast journalism.

Although Willis left behind a decorated career at Troy, his message Saturday was one of persistence and determination. He recalled not receiving the big-school offers of some of his peers and said he used those examples for motivation each time he took the field.

 “Never give up, and just because you don’t get the big offer coming out of high school, that doesn’t mean your dreams can’t come true by going to a smaller school and starting from the bottom,” Willis said.

Even though he’s headed to Cincinnati soon for a chance to make the Bengals’ opening-day roster, Willis said he isn’t content. There’s still one more box he plans to check.

“It’s like a dream come true,” Willis said. “I haven’t really fulfilled my dream yet, but I’m one step closer to it. Once I get a chance to step on the field, then I can say my dream is fully fulfilled, and then obviously, I want to continue to have a good, long career in the NFL.”