2010 Heisman Hopefuls: Ryan Williams
For prospective college players one of the most important things to look for is the stability of the program. Players want to go to a school that wants to feature a player with talents like theirs so that they will have the best chance to shine. There is nothing more upsetting to a player than a change in coaches that comes with a change in style of play, making their skill set obsolete.
Recruits have not had to worry about that when it comes to Virginia Tech for quite some time. Head coach Frank Beamer has been with the Hokies for 22 years. To further encourage recruits to come to the school, Beamer has had an impressive run of success with a career win-loss record of 229 wins, 115 losses, and four ties.
Only two teams have longer consecutive bowl game streaks than the Hokies, Florida and Florida State. Over the last six seasons Beamer has led his team to at least 10 wins a season, the second longest streak in the NCAA Division I football.
With stability and success like that come quality football players. The Hokies have found one such player in current running back and prospective Heisman trophy candidate Ryan Williams.
High School
Williams was a standout player for Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia. At 5’10” and 192 pounds he was a great mix of intelligence and athletic ability (3.3 GPA; 4.5 second 40-yard dash, 335 pound bench press one lift max and a 440 pound one lift squat). Widely considered one of the top players in the nation in the 2007 class, Williams was rated as high as third in the nation at running back, 47th in the nation overall, and the second best high school player in the state of Virginia.
The accolades and rating were widely deserved. During his career he rushed for more than 3000 yards, a number that would have been much bigger had he not missed significant time due to injury. As a sophomore he missed six games due to a knee injury, but still managed to rush for 500 yards and score eight touchdowns in the four games he did play.
His junior year was his best one. On 167 carries he gained 1572 yards for an average gain of almost 10 yards per carry. He was no stranger to the end zone either with 21 rushing touchdowns, two receiving, and one returning kick-offs and punt returns.
Williams would miss time once again as a senior (three games). In the seven games he did play he would still go on to run for 650 yards and seven touchdowns.
While the injuries could be a concern, there was still plenty of interest for Williams by some top college programs. In the end he would stay in-state and go to Virginia Tech.
College
Beamer wore Williams' redshirt during the 2008 season. He would still make people take notice due to his work ethic. Physically he improved in many categories and dropped his 40-yard dash down to a 4.49. In scrimmages his potential was obvious as Williams often broke off a big play during workouts.
His work ethic paid off when the starting running back went down during preseason workouts prior to the 2009 season kicking off. He would respond by starting and playing in every game; nearly 600 plays. Over the course of the season he would gain 1655 yards for the Hokies on 293 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per carry and 21 rushing touchdowns.
Williams would save his best performance for last against rival Virginia. On 24 carries he would run for 183 yards and four touchdowns leading the team to a 42-13 win.
For a young player to do so well in just his first year as a starter speaks volumes for his potential. Playing for a program that knows how to win, Williams will likely be among early Heisman candidates as long as he continues to perform.
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