Hey SoCal...what about this dude?

[footstepsfrom#27]

I'm sure you must have a file on this ex Cane buried somewhere don't ya? What do you say?...we've had every other kind of problem child...is this one worth a gamble...late round gem?

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=859720

[SoCalBronco]

Ahh....Willie Williams. I remember waking up at like 5:30 a.m. that Signing Day to log onto the computer to see if he signed with us. Willie had some problems on the field at the U. He never mentally adjusted to the LB position. He did get some playing time early, I remember a game against Clemson a little and you could see his big time talent with his burst to the ball, although it was reckless on the field. Willie had alot of assignment issues at WLB and therefore was behind guys not as talented as he was. He eventually got frustrated with it and just flat out quit.

I don't know if Willie can be trusted off the field. He bounced around, as the article notes, to different colleges after he left Miami (although, at least grades wise, he was fine for the most part at Miami). The biggest disappointment for him was failing to start on a really bad Louisville defensive team a couple years ago (there was also an off the field issue at Louisville). I remember after he transferred to a city college here in LA, it was thought by many that he would be immediately signed by UCLA after his season but it never happened for reasons unknown. I think he's an NFL DE not a LB, or at least, if he's going to be an NFL LB, it will be a big learning curve. He'll need to bulk up a little more obviously if he's going to be an NFL DE, but he does in fact have NFL talent if its used properly.

He's the ultimate boom or bust prospect with some off field shadows in the background. He's also a project who will need time whether at DE or LB. If he's there in the 6th, I'd do it, but not higher than that. There are just too many issues with Willie, both on and off the field.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Ahh....Willie Williams. I remember waking up at like 5:30 a.m. that Signing Day to log onto the computer to see if he signed with us. Willie had some problems on the field at the U. He never mentally adjusted to the LB position. He did get some playing time early, I remember a game against Clemson a little and you could see his big time talent with his burst to the ball, although it was reckless on the field. Willie had alot of assignment issues at WLB and therefore was behind guys not as talented as he was. He eventually got frustrated with it and just flat out quit.

I don't know if Willie can be trusted off the field. He bounced around, as the article notes, to different colleges after he left Miami (although, at least grades wise, he was fine for the most part at Miami). The biggest disappointment for him was failing to start on a really bad Louisville defensive team a couple years ago (there was also an off the field issue at Louisville). I remember after he transferred to a city college here in LA, it was thought by many that he would be immediately signed by UCLA after his season but it never happened for reasons unknown. I think he's an NFL DE not a LB, or at least, if he's going to be an NFL LB, it will be a big learning curve. He'll need to bulk up a little more obviously if he's going to be an NFL DE, but he does in fact have NFL talent if its used properly.

He's the ultimate boom or bust prospect with some off field shadows in the background. He's also a project who will need time whether at DE or LB. If he's there in the 6th, I'd do it, but not higher than that. There are just too many issues with Willie, both on and off the field.
How can he play DE? I thought he was 220 pounds? He sounds like an Ian Gold type LB or...get this insanity...a SAFETY! He's got 4.4 speed...???

I hear you on the issues...the article spelled them out...but what about NOW...he's a dad...he seems to have settled down. Our safeties suck pigs feet...

No?

[DB_champ24]

How can he play DE? I thought he was 220 pounds? He sounds like an Ian Gold type LB or...get this insanity...a SAFETY! He's got 4.4 speed...???

I hear you on the issues...the article spelled them out...but what about NOW...he's a dad...he seems to have settled down. Our safeties suck pigs feet...

No?

If he was having trouble learning a LB spot, there's no way he'd be able to play safety.

[Ratboy]

Wow, this guy has some serious issues. I wouldn't even give this guy the time of day.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Wow, this guy has some serious issues. I wouldn't even give this guy the time of day.
That's what I thought too. But look a bit closer. His coaches NOW are saying he's grown up and he credits him having a daughter and being in her life...it's possible he's turned the corner.

If he's really talented, and he's not got anything more than this...no domestic violence or anthing like that...I can't see what a 7th round pick could hurt. If he's a MoC starter kit we junk him...simple. The upside might be worth it I think. He sounds like a guy dealing with grief not a bad apple.

[SoCalBronco]

How can he play DE? I thought he was 220 pounds? He sounds like an Ian Gold type LB or...get this insanity...a SAFETY! He's got 4.4 speed...???

I hear you on the issues...the article spelled them out...but what about NOW...he's a dad...he seems to have settled down. Our safeties suck pigs feet...

No?

I doubt that he's really 220 pounds (despite what the Union media guide might say). He was 225 when he came to Miami and then I know he was in the 230s at Louisville, I just don't buy that he's at 220. I think he's at least in the 230s. I still think the best bet for him is to gain another 20 and be a DE. He's a pass rusher first and foremost. You mentioned safety. I'm not aware that he ever played that position before or that he would fit there. Willie already struggled greatly in pass coverage when he was a LB at Miami and Louisville, so I doubt safety is in his future.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I doubt that he's really 220 pounds (despite what the Union media guide might say). He was 225 when he came to Miami and then I know he was in the 230s at Louisville, I just don't buy that he's at 220. I think he's at least in the 230s. I still think the best bet for him is to gain another 20 and be a DE. He's a pass rusher first and foremost. You mentioned safety. I'm not aware that he ever played that position before or that he would fit there. Willie already struggled greatly in pass coverage when he was a LB at Miami and Louisville, so I doubt safety is in his future.
Don't college press guides usually round UP the weight instead of down? I hear ya on the safety thing though...to bad. He sounds like a weak side LB...and we have that covered. If he's a pass rusher...even at 235 if he is that big...he's gotta gain another 20 pounds minimum I'd think. That's some nasty speed though...4.4 for a guy that size...if he retained most of it he might become something assuming his head is now screwed on straight.