Nice article of Williams Pro Day

DeAngelo flies for pro scouts

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Running back erases any doubts about speed

By Zack McMillin
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March 25, 2006

When the Oakland Raiders scout bellowed out, "WILLIAMS," and the three dozen or so other NFL scouts readied their stopwatches halfway down the University of Memphis's outdoor track, the Memphis-based agent of DeAngelo Williams was concerned.
It was blustery for the UofM football team's pro day on Friday, not quite 50 degrees and with a swirling wind strong enough to add five shots to a round of golf -- and perhaps a tenth or two to a time in the 40-yard dash.
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The track was hard and slippery, and none of the 13 players who ran before Williams had been pleased with their times.
His agent, Jimmy Sexton, knew that this time would brand Williams, fair or no, as either worthy or unworthy of a high selection in the April 29 NFL Draft.
He knew there were whispers about Williams' straight-line speed, doubts despite his 6,000-plus rushing yards in four years at the UofM and a slew of school, conference and NCAA records on his resume.
Run a 4.5 or 4.6, and all the good work Williams did in college and in the three months leading up to Friday's pro day would be erased.
It was in that context that Williams leaned forward, coiled into a sprinter's crouch and ... backed off.
The wind had begun gusting.
"Smart," said Jim Denton, who works with Sexton for Athletic Resource Management.
"Let the wind die," said Reggie Barnes, also with ARM.
Williams crouched again, took off running and ... whistle.
"Rolling start," said the Raiders scout.
As he crouched again, the few hundred people watching fell so silent that the far-off whistle of a train drifted into hearing just as Williams exploded into motion.
To watch him fly past two rows of scouts, at full speed, was to appreciate the violence of NFL football.
That's when the murmurs started, the scouts checking with one another to see who had what time.
Denton, with a 4.40 on his watch, was thrilled, but then other numbers started dominoeing back -- someone had a 4.36, someone else a 4.37 and the Packers scout had a 4.39.
"Bingo!" Denton said, giving a little pump of his fist.
When Williams' second run was hundredths slower, it was official -- Williams is heretofore known as a running back with 4.38 to 4.42 speed.
"The major question today coming into today was, 'Is he fast enough?'" Williams said. "A lot of them had me at 4.5 (before Friday). Hopefully I showed them today I am fast enough."
By the time Williams left the UofM's turf room for outside drills, Sexton and his crew had more reason for excitement. Williams's 6.5-second run in the 60-yard shuttle was the best scouts said they had timed all year, and Judd Granzow, the trainer at D1 Sports who has worked with Williams since January, was pointing out that Williams' first 10 yards in the 40 were .15 to .20 slower than usual.
Meaning, if not for the poor starts (which Williams blamed on uneasiness with the slippery track), Williams might have uncorked something spectacular.
It was a strong end to a process that began with workouts on Jan. 2 at D1 Sports in Franklin, Tenn., included a star performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and an impressive debut before national NFL media at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
"The only thing that could have gone better was for it to be 75 degrees today like it's been all winter here and for us to have a better surface to run on," Sexton said. "I think the most impressive thing about today was he had the best workout any running back has had and did it in the worst conditions."
Where Williams goes in the draft, however, may have less to do with his ability and more to do with what the highest-picking NFL teams need.
USC's Heisman Trophy running back, Reggie Bush will be the first running back (and likely first player) selected, and Williams has solidified himself as the next best speed running back.
However, he could go behind USC's LenDale White if a team determines it needs a power runner who can carry 230-245 pounds.
Sexton said some teams have already asked about bringing Williams to their training facilities for workouts and interviews, but the bulk of the process is finished.
"It feels like a relief, a big relief," Williams said.
Other pro day news:
Williams's roommate, Maurice Avery, ran times in the 4.6s, but got plenty of looks from scouts in the outdoor workouts. His athleticism should at least get him invited to a camp. ... Former UofM quarterback Danny Wimprine, now a CFL quarterback, threw to Williams, Avery and John Doucette. Much mirth was made over his first over-the-middle throw to Williams, a bullet that almost knocked Williams over and all but said, "See, my arm is TOO strong enough for the NFL." ... Stephen Gostkowski, the UofM's career-best placekicker, had a great workout with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday at the Liberty Bowl and also kicked for scouts on Friday. He has a workout scheduled with the Packers and Cowboys next week. ARM is also representing Gostkowski and expects him to get drafted. -- Zack McMillin: 529-2564