Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech ~ 5.10/205
~ Zimbio ~
"He’s a talented kid who is sharp and sudden with the football, but might have a tough time coming out after an injury-plagued 2010."
"Skinny: The Hokies suffered through a slew of preseason injuries at tailback prior to the 2009 season. Those setbacks left many questions surrounding their running game…but Williams answered each and every one of them. The red-shirt freshman rushed for 1,655 yards and found the end zone 22 times (21 on the ground) for the ACC school. He carried the load for Tech, displaying durability and ball security to complement his big-play ability. The versatile runner can play power football and run the ball between the tackles using his strength, but is just as apt to turn the corner for a big run with his top-notch long speed. Williams has great body control and is more than capable of making defenders miss in the open field, but doesn’t dance too much–he hits the hole as soon as he sees it. The All-ACC performer has flashed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and be a playmaker in the passing game as well. While he doesn’t have prototypical bulk at 5’10” and 210 pounds, Williams is big enough to be a feature back at the next level. There is nothing he can’t do which is why we have him ranked as the number one running back and a potential top ten pick for the 2011 NFL Draft–he begins the preseason as the NFL Draft Bible’s eighth ranked prospect overall. Williams will have two years of eligibility remaining after the 2010 season but he is the most likely red-shirt sophomore to declare for the NFL Draft following this season. It is hard to imagine that Williams won’t be a first round pick when the time comes, whether he declares this year or not. - Scouting Running Backs: Class of 2013
SCOUT'S TAKE
Pros: Anyone who watched Virginia Tech football last season can tell you one thing for sure: running back Ryan Williams can flat out play. Williams rumbled for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns on his way to setting the Virginia Tech single-season rushing record. Words like durable, dependable, scoring machine, versatile and turnover-free all accurately describe the red-shirt freshman’s performance. You want consistency? The Hokie matched an ACC record with ten 100-yard rushing games. How about stamina and conditioning? The ACC Rookie of the Year started all 13 games, played in 559 snaps and carried the pigskin 292 times. Not just a workman-like runner, the New York (state) native is a big play waiting to happen, possessing long speed (runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.4 range) and athleticism (36.5” vertical jump). Combined with a strong and solid frame at 5’10” and 210-plus pounds, Williams is packed with NFL potential. He is able to complement his fleetness of foot with acceleration, elusiveness, the ability to change directions without losing momentum, lateral agility and a quick-decision, north-south running style. One of the reasons why the first-year running back seemed to get better as the season wore on is the fact he is an intelligent runner who expanded on his game with lessons learned from earlier in the season. While he is not afraid of contact, Williams understands when to pick his battles; he knows when to truck a defender and when to avoid the big hit. The phenom is a demon in the open field and the moment he gets into the secondary he is one cut or juke from a long touchdown run. While not used consistently as a pass catcher, Williams has flashed ability as a receiver coming out of the backfield—he has long arms and catches the ball with his hands away from his body. The multi-talented runner is capable of executing every rushing play imaginable—from smash-mouth, between-the-tackles runs, to stretch plays designed to go outside. Williams has excellent bounce in his step and it allows him to almost float along the gridiron effortlessly.
Cons: While there isn’t much about his game that we don’t like, with just one year of experience at the college level, Williams has room for improvement. He has a bad habit of swinging the arm that he is holding the ball with when trying to build up movement and accelerate through his cuts. Although ball security wasn’t an issue in 2009—he did not fumble last year—if Williams doesn’t learn to keep the ball high and tight at all times, he will become prone to strip tackles at the next level. That won’t be tolerated. Even though he didn’t miss any games, Williams did suffer a pre-season ankle injury in 2009, which he re-aggravated during the season. He was later pulled from the Chick-fil-A Bowl in the third quarter of Tech’s victory over Tennessee with a left ankle sprain. As a precautionary measure, Williams was held out the Hokies’ 2010 spring game with what was labeled a bruised knee. The All-ACC performer has excellent definition, but could add some weight and muscle to his extremities. Doing so would not only make him a more physical runner, but also better prepare his body to withstand the punishment inherent to playing running back in the NFL. Williams also has to improve his balance, as he has a tendency to get knocked off his center of gravity. As impressive is he is all-around, the Virginia Tech product does fall a bit short of the NFL prototype in terms of size and speed.
Our View: After starting tailback Darren Evans was lost for the season with a pre-season injury, many wondered if the Hokies’ rushing attack would take a step back. Enter Williams…and the rest is history as he seamlessly stepped in as Tech’s feature back and focal point of their offense. What is special about Williams is that he has athletic skills and instincts that cannot be taught or coached—he has all the tools to develop into a lead horse in the NFL. Yes, he has flaws in both his game and body, but they are easily correctable with proper training and some tough NFL coaching. Williams will be taught to eliminate the swinging motion with his ball hand when running. His problems with balance, concerns about his long-term durability and his ability to fight through contact can all be alleviated by adding about 10-12 pounds of muscle in his arms and legs. If the record-setting runner can add some weight and build on the success of his red-shirt freshman year, he is a lock for the top half of the first round of next year’s draft should he declare (he will have two years of eligibility remaining following the 2010 season). In fact, with a big season Williams has a chance to crack the top 10 and be the top running back in the 2011 draft class. There are big expectations for the Hokies in 2010 and how Williams performs under the spotlight will also play into his evaluation. Moreover, if senior signal caller Tyrod Taylor continues to improve on his game, it will only benefit Williams. Look for an All-American type season and a potential Heisman run for this Hokie."
SCOUT'S TAKE
Pros: Anyone who watched Virginia Tech football last season can tell you one thing for sure: running back Ryan Williams can flat out play. Williams rumbled for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns on his way to setting the Virginia Tech single-season rushing record. Words like durable, dependable, scoring machine, versatile and turnover-free all accurately describe the red-shirt freshman’s performance. You want consistency? The Hokie matched an ACC record with ten 100-yard rushing games. How about stamina and conditioning? The ACC Rookie of the Year started all 13 games, played in 559 snaps and carried the pigskin 292 times. Not just a workman-like runner, the New York (state) native is a big play waiting to happen, possessing long speed (runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.4 range) and athleticism (36.5” vertical jump). Combined with a strong and solid frame at 5’10” and 210-plus pounds, Williams is packed with NFL potential. He is able to complement his fleetness of foot with acceleration, elusiveness, the ability to change directions without losing momentum, lateral agility and a quick-decision, north-south running style. One of the reasons why the first-year running back seemed to get better as the season wore on is the fact he is an intelligent runner who expanded on his game with lessons learned from earlier in the season. While he is not afraid of contact, Williams understands when to pick his battles; he knows when to truck a defender and when to avoid the big hit. The phenom is a demon in the open field and the moment he gets into the secondary he is one cut or juke from a long touchdown run. While not used consistently as a pass catcher, Williams has flashed ability as a receiver coming out of the backfield—he has long arms and catches the ball with his hands away from his body. The multi-talented runner is capable of executing every rushing play imaginable—from smash-mouth, between-the-tackles runs, to stretch plays designed to go outside. Williams has excellent bounce in his step and it allows him to almost float along the gridiron effortlessly.
Cons: While there isn’t much about his game that we don’t like, with just one year of experience at the college level, Williams has room for improvement. He has a bad habit of swinging the arm that he is holding the ball with when trying to build up movement and accelerate through his cuts. Although ball security wasn’t an issue in 2009—he did not fumble last year—if Williams doesn’t learn to keep the ball high and tight at all times, he will become prone to strip tackles at the next level. That won’t be tolerated. Even though he didn’t miss any games, Williams did suffer a pre-season ankle injury in 2009, which he re-aggravated during the season. He was later pulled from the Chick-fil-A Bowl in the third quarter of Tech’s victory over Tennessee with a left ankle sprain. As a precautionary measure, Williams was held out the Hokies’ 2010 spring game with what was labeled a bruised knee. The All-ACC performer has excellent definition, but could add some weight and muscle to his extremities. Doing so would not only make him a more physical runner, but also better prepare his body to withstand the punishment inherent to playing running back in the NFL. Williams also has to improve his balance, as he has a tendency to get knocked off his center of gravity. As impressive is he is all-around, the Virginia Tech product does fall a bit short of the NFL prototype in terms of size and speed.
Our View: After starting tailback Darren Evans was lost for the season with a pre-season injury, many wondered if the Hokies’ rushing attack would take a step back. Enter Williams…and the rest is history as he seamlessly stepped in as Tech’s feature back and focal point of their offense. What is special about Williams is that he has athletic skills and instincts that cannot be taught or coached—he has all the tools to develop into a lead horse in the NFL. Yes, he has flaws in both his game and body, but they are easily correctable with proper training and some tough NFL coaching. Williams will be taught to eliminate the swinging motion with his ball hand when running. His problems with balance, concerns about his long-term durability and his ability to fight through contact can all be alleviated by adding about 10-12 pounds of muscle in his arms and legs. If the record-setting runner can add some weight and build on the success of his red-shirt freshman year, he is a lock for the top half of the first round of next year’s draft should he declare (he will have two years of eligibility remaining following the 2010 season). In fact, with a big season Williams has a chance to crack the top 10 and be the top running back in the 2011 draft class. There are big expectations for the Hokies in 2010 and how Williams performs under the spotlight will also play into his evaluation. Moreover, if senior signal caller Tyrod Taylor continues to improve on his game, it will only benefit Williams. Look for an All-American type season and a potential Heisman run for this Hokie."
"Running back Ryan Williams is a nice prospect yet not the second coming as many have predicted him to be. Elusive with the ability to avoid defenders and piles, Williams has speed and quickness to break to the outside, shows a burst through the hole and creates his own yardage. He does a terrific job following blocks, keeps his feet moving on contact and works runs.
Williams is also a competent receiver out of the backfield yet not a blazer carrying the ball nor a strong back on the inside. Is he a feature runner for the next level? We’ll need to watch more of him in the coming seasons before we give him that label."
Williams is also a competent receiver out of the backfield yet not a blazer carrying the ball nor a strong back on the inside. Is he a feature runner for the next level? We’ll need to watch more of him in the coming seasons before we give him that label."
"Positives: Very stout build, can handle a pounding with his frame... Has above-average speed, can run away from defenders... Extremely athletic, has a 37" vertical jump... Doesn't have any problems holding onto the ball, did not fumble the ball in 2009 with over 300 touches... Great at making the first man miss... A very smart player who knows how to avoid the big hit... Powerful runner... Plays bigger than he is, has great toughness... Runs with an attitude, focused on the end zone... Gives a great second effort, can push the pile with his legs... Great vision... His ability to see the field is probably his best asset... Has an ability to see things before they happen that cannot be coached... Shows soft hands out of the backfield... Very productive freshman season, ran for 1,655 yards and 22 TD... Consistent player, ran for 70 or more yards in every single game in 2009... Strong character... Very mature, took care of his brother most of his life who has an intellectual disability... Idolizes Walter Peyton... Has returned punts in the past, can contribute on special teams... A good combination of a north/south runner who can make plays to the outside... Tons of upside, has just scratched the surface of his potential.
Negatives: Only 202 pounds, would like to see him add 10-15 pounds to take the pounding of the NFL... Won't blow anyone away with his measurables... Still needs to improve his pass blocking, redshirted his freshman year to focus on pass protection... Would like to see him featured in the passing game more... Has had a few lingering injures, but nothing that has kept him out of a regular season game... Numbers could dip this year with the return of Darren Evans."
Negatives: Only 202 pounds, would like to see him add 10-15 pounds to take the pounding of the NFL... Won't blow anyone away with his measurables... Still needs to improve his pass blocking, redshirted his freshman year to focus on pass protection... Would like to see him featured in the passing game more... Has had a few lingering injures, but nothing that has kept him out of a regular season game... Numbers could dip this year with the return of Darren Evans."
"Ryan Williams burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2010. With fellow Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans on the sidelines, Williams was forced into action. He would have worked his way into being a nice change of pace back for Evans, but instead he took over the offense. On 293 carries, Williams rushed for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns. He even caught 16 passes for 180 yards and a score. That is quite impressive for a player who barely saw the ball during the spring until Evans got hurt.
Unfortunately for Williams, this year Evans is back and it is he who is spending some time on the sidelines with an injury. Williams started the 2010 campaign off by rushing for three touchdowns in the first three games, but was injured in that contest and missed the next four games…and counting. He should be back by the end of the year since the hamstring injury does not appear to be that serious, but the lack of playing time is putting a damper on his draft status.
Heading into the year Williams was probably one of the top four or five draft eligible running backs, but others are passing him by while NFL teams start to wonder if he can build off of his freshman campaign or if he will develop into a player who struggles with injuries. His 3.0 yards per carry this season will not get him drafted very high and right now he would be wise to return to the Hokies for another year."
Unfortunately for Williams, this year Evans is back and it is he who is spending some time on the sidelines with an injury. Williams started the 2010 campaign off by rushing for three touchdowns in the first three games, but was injured in that contest and missed the next four games…and counting. He should be back by the end of the year since the hamstring injury does not appear to be that serious, but the lack of playing time is putting a damper on his draft status.
Heading into the year Williams was probably one of the top four or five draft eligible running backs, but others are passing him by while NFL teams start to wonder if he can build off of his freshman campaign or if he will develop into a player who struggles with injuries. His 3.0 yards per carry this season will not get him drafted very high and right now he would be wise to return to the Hokies for another year."
"Has been plagued by a hamstring injury since mid-September and barely produced this season, but based on what he showed he can do as a redshirt freshman, there is no questioning his run instincts, vision or toughness. He runs angry and runs like he is 20 pounds heavier than he is, creating his own holes with his strong legs and quick-cutting ability.
He is a finisher whose competitiveness stands out on tape. The big question — and what could still push him out of school early despite his lack of production — is whether he will be able to stay healthy, similar to Cadillac Williams coming out of Auburn."
He is a finisher whose competitiveness stands out on tape. The big question — and what could still push him out of school early despite his lack of production — is whether he will be able to stay healthy, similar to Cadillac Williams coming out of Auburn."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams makes for a fascinating Case Study. Should he or shouldn't he??
For my money, he shouldn't. Even with a Rookie Salary Cap all but guaranteed for 2012, Williams' Stock has to be severely depressed after an awful year, and yet it could SKY ROCKET with an healthy 2011 season. If he DOES opt to Come Out, this year, he could slide into the 3rd Round, at which point somebody would get themselves one HELL of a bargain.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
For my money, he shouldn't. Even with a Rookie Salary Cap all but guaranteed for 2012, Williams' Stock has to be severely depressed after an awful year, and yet it could SKY ROCKET with an healthy 2011 season. If he DOES opt to Come Out, this year, he could slide into the 3rd Round, at which point somebody would get themselves one HELL of a bargain.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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