BALTIMORE — NFL general managers desire a prospect that can fill multiple spots on their roster. This is something that they mention every year as they build the back end of their draft board. Versatility holds a lot of weight for teams in the decision making process, especially in the later rounds of the draft.
College spread offenses have placed more emphasis on passing the ball but they also take advantage of spacing and utilize shifty running backs on inside runs. As a result, more all-purpose threats referred to simply as “offensive weapons” are coming into the league. One of the more explosive, yet lesser known “offensive weapons” this year is Texas A&M’s explosive running back Trey Williams.
To put things in perspective, Williams averaged 6.9 yards per carry last year. His seven rushing touchdowns led the team despite only have the third most carries on the team. Williams has the vison of a prophet and uses a devastating jump cut to change gaps in a blur. He uses his Houdini like elusiveness to makes defender miss in short spaces with ease. Defenders are often left grasping for air thanks to his ability to improvise and make moves on top of moves. Running inside zone runs is something that Williams has a thorough understanding of.
“I came out of an offense that ran that style. It’s not new to me at all. If I see a hole, I am going to hit it as fast as I can. There’s no fear in me hitting a hole.” Williams continued; “When I hit a hole, I am not looking at the first person. I trust the line to do their job. I am already looking ahead at the linebacker and the free safety. I am able to pay attention to both of them at the same time. I make my moves off of that.”
The Ravens at times used a single back set last year but the majority of their runs came with fullback Kyle Juszczyk on the field. When asked about running behind a fullback, Williams made a good point. “A fullback is pretty much a faster running lineman. I am better reading off of a fullback. I don’t have to worry about the first man and I can make the second man miss.” Williams said.
Another way that Williams can help out the Ravens is as a receiver in the slot. As an “offensive weapon,” Williams is the kind of player that can be shuffled around the field to create mismatches against opposing defenses. Williams pointed out that catching the ball in the secondary as a receiver actually works to his advantage.
“When I catch the ball and I am in the secondary, I am at the third level of the defense right away. I like that! A lot of people underestimate my catching ability. I was a wide receiver my freshman year in high school. It’s an extra asset that I bring to the table.”
The Ravens can get creative and line Williams up in the backfield in two back sets then motion him to the slot. That will get him matched up against a linebacker. That situation would favor the Williams more times than not.
Trey Williams would also have an immediate impact on the Ravens in the return game. He is a dynamite returner. He was able to display his electrifying playmaking ability for three seasons at Texas A&M. Williams was considered one of the most dangerous return men in the SEC. His vision and explosiveness makes him a natural playmaker in the return game. “Returning is just reading blocks and seeing the field. One of my strengths is reading the field and getting up field.” Williams said.
Williams is a well-built 5-7, 195 pounds. He was able to post 18 reps on the bench at the combine. Some say that he will struggle as a pass blocker but he has own way of doing the job. “You have to be smart. I am not going to hit a 240 pound linebacker head up. There’s other ways to do it. I have gotten better at it. I don’t look at it as being hard and tough.” Williams said.
Another thing that teams like about Williams is his personality. Teams come away from meeting with him with a genuine fondness for his personality. Williams actually sang in a talent show at the Liberty Bowl this year and won!
One of the Ravens scouts was a coach for Williams when he played in the US Army game, a high school football showcase. Williams said that he caught up with him and had a really good conversation. “They liked how I am good person. The off the field part is something that they really cherished about me. I really appreciated it. I would love to play for the Ravens!”