Sept. 23, 2014 RUSTON, La. - On the surface, Mitch Villemez is the poster boy for the linebacker position. The type of disciplined aggression the position requires has been evident in both his performance and appearance on the field for Louisiana Tech ever since he arrived in 2013.

Now in his second year, the senior linebacker is known for two things - his play-making ability on defense and his ever-present flowing red locks peeking out from his football helmet on Saturdays.

There is, however, one problem Villemez faces. Linebackers have a tendency to play like their hair is on fire.

While the saying is meant to signify attention-catching behavior, Villemez would not dream of anything resembling flames in close proximity to his precious mane.

Two seasons ago, while at Blinn Junior College, Villemez was challenged to grow his hair out with the intention of eventually getting dreadlocks. Never one to back down, the Hardin, Texas native accepted the dare. However, instead of the original plan, Villemez opted for a more meaningful objective.

"The longer I grew my hair, the more I realized how nasty and bad it would smell after practice and games," Villemez said. "I said, `You know what? If I am going to go through the trouble of growing it out, I am going to do it for a great cause.' So that is where Locks of Love came into the picture."

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under the age of 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss. The mission of the organization is to restore self-esteem and give ailing children a sense of normalcy.

"The organization said my hair has to be 10 inches long and in a ponytail to donate, which I am sure it already is that long because I have been growing it for about two and a half years," he said. "I will finally get around to cutting and donating it after this season, but I can't cut it now because I like it flowing out of my helmet."

Although it is Villemez's flaming locks and philanthropic efforts that make him stand out to the naked eye, it is his performance on the field that has grabbed the attention of Bulldog fans, teammates and coaches alike.

From the time Villemez graduated from Hardin High School to the conclusion of his three seasons (redshirted in 2010) at Blinn, the linebacker had one goal in mind - to play Division I football.

In 2013, Villemez capitalized on an opportunity and joined Skip Holtz and his coaching staff at Tech.

"My time at Blinn was a good experience because it was hard," he said. "A lot of people don't realize with junior colleges, but it is hard getting out, almost like a trap. You really have to be on your p's and q's to get out of there, but I think it makes you better. Overall, I think it has helped me. I would not be here at Louisiana Tech without that experience."

Once Villemez began work as a Bulldog, his hair was not the only thing garnering attention. His dedication paid off almost instantly as the 6-foot-2-inch, 226-pound linebacker found himself atop the depth chart. He stayed there for the entire 2013 campaign.

Villemez started all 12 games for the Bulldogs, while recording 69 total tackles, which was the third-highest mark among his teammates. He added two sacks, three forced fumbles and showed he fit right in at Louisiana Tech as the season progressed.

Following his first season with the Bulldogs, Villemez had adjustments to deal with, as Holtz announced that former Texas coach Manny Diaz was joining the staff as both the defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. Villemez quickly made an impression on Diaz, but this time it was without the help of eye-catching hairstyle.

"Mitch was a guy that showed up on tape from last year as someone that can make a play," Diaz said of his star linebacker. "He made some good plays behind the line of scrimmage, so I knew he had a knack for doing some good things on the football field.

"With that being said, when you are coming in as a new coach, you try to give everyone sort of a clean (slate) and a fresh start, so I kind of had no expectations. I wanted to see what everybody proved once we got into spring practice. Mitch showed up as a guy, very early on, who picked things up quickly. He has a good feel and instinct for the game, and pretty early in the spring, he solidified himself as one of our top guys."

To go along with a glowing review from his coach, Villemez's feelings for Diaz were mutual.

"Coach Diaz expects so much from us," Villemez said. "He likes for us to set the bar high and to not accept failure. He is always pushing us. He is just going to make you better as a player and a person. I can really see myself talking with Coach Diaz for the rest of my life and keeping in touch with him. He is going to push to make you better and bring the best out of you, and you have to like that."

Villemez entered this season with two things: his trademark locks and expectations to be a leader on LA Tech's defense. He was a no-doubter to start at linebacker for the Bulldogs, a role he continues to embrace.

"You have to expect good things for yourself," Villemez said. "After taking on that role of being a leader, people look up to you. The guys expect you to make plays and help the other guys when they are struggling. I like having those expectations on my shoulders."

As for his flowing red hair that is three years in the making, he plans to cut it once the 2014 season concludes, which is one trim Villemez is not looking forward to once the time comes, even though he knows this one act of kindness that started with a dare will help others in ways unimaginable.

"I kind of like it because I just get to throw it in a ponytail," he said. "Either that or put a hat on and I am good to go. When I had my hair cut short, that was when I would stay fixing it, because especially with red hair, you have to try and make that look good and that's hard to do. But it is for a good cause, so I can deal with it."

Whether Villemez is ready to revert back to what he considers his normal hairstyle or not, the children he helps through Locks of Love has made the journey worthwhile for this Bulldog.

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