Rookie Diary - Brandon Williams

[CCBoy]

ROOKIE DIARY

BRANDON WILLIAMS

Linebacker • Texas Tech • Fourth Round Draft Pick

During the 2009 season the Star chronicled the journey of the Cowboys' rookie class. Ahead of the 2010 NFL?Draft, we'll catch up with three '09 rookies who were forced to miss the season with injuries.

For me, never being hurt in high school or college, last year was very frustrating. It was a big disappointment, but I know it might benefit me in some ways. It was very frustrating, but it was in God's hands.

When we get back to the field I might be hesitant at first, taking off at the snap, but I think it will come right back. A lot of players that have had ACL injuries say their career really starts when they've had it. They come back stronger and faster than what they were, so I think my takeoff might be even better, just from working on my legs so much in rehab. I think the coaches and scouts felt like I wasn't really strong up top, but they knew I could rush the passer, so during the season I spent a lot of time lifting my upper body, making it stronger.

Everybody keeps telling me I need to get away for a while in the offseason, have some vacation time and come back so I can go at it even harder. But being the person I am, I just want to keep striving and be out there on the field so I can do my part.

I think a good comeback season would be at least four or five sacks, just to show what I can do. I've been able to learn the game a little bit better for next year, to see what I need to be doing to play my role. I'll be out there on special teams too, and just do whatever they want and whatever they need.

*from Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine

 

[Woods]

I'm really looking forward to seeing B Williams on the field this year.

He was the player that Ware said could break out this year.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

It's going to be a heckuva training camp in San Antonio, watching this years draftees, UDFA's, new starters, and the remnants of last class that we didn't see due to injury.

 

[TheDallasDon]

I think B.Williams and J.Williams are going to change what people think about last years draft..............oh yea I think M.Hamiln is going to be good 2

 

[gmoney112]

It's going to be a heckuva training camp in San Antonio, watching this years draftees, UDFA's, new starters, and the remnants of last class that we didn't see due to injury.

No kidding. That's going to be crazy.

 

[DCBoysfan]

I think B.Williams and J.Williams are going to change what people think about last years draft..............oh yea I think M.Hamiln is going to be good 2

I'm looking forward to seeing all three of those guys hit the field.

 

[Cowboysfan570]

We know we've got a little bit of something in Victor Butler (although he definitely needs to work on run protect) and at least coming out of last year's draft I thought Brandon Williams would be the better of the two.

DeMarcus Ware praising him really makes me want to see what we have in this guy.

One thing that I'm curious about though is how big is he really? I've seen anywhere from 6'2" to 6'5" and anywhere from 246lb to 261lb. Assuming the combine numbers of 6'3" and 261lbs are correct, if hes gotten stronger then he could be stronger than Ware.

Question is: how well can he use it?

 

[jobberone]

I'm looking forward to seeing what the two Williams can do. Also Hamlin and Butler.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

One thing that I'm curious about though is how big is he really? I've seen anywhere from 6'2" to 6'5" and anywhere from 246lb to 261lb. Assuming the combine numbers of 6'3" and 261lbs are correct, if hes gotten stronger then he could be stronger than Ware.

Sorry for those who've read this before, but at the preseason game where he blew his knee out, I remember thinking that even though their listed heights and weights weren't that different, he looked a lot bigger than Butler. Not a blown-up muscular type of big, but taller and lankier with a big frame.

And Wade and Ware said he had a lot of strength and explosion to him. So at 20 years old and without great weight room numbers, you know that's all natural strength.

Imagine once he's physically mature and has a couple years in an NFL weight program. Get some of that, Celek.

 

[Chief]

I'm really excited about this player. I was a little bit surprised he opted for the NFL Draft early since he was so young and green. But even then, he still led the Big 12 in sacks.

 

[Chief]

Brandon, left, and Stephen Hodge.

Hopefully, they'll both be on the field this fall.

 

[AbeBeta]

Brandon, left, and Stephen Hodge.

Hopefully, they'll both be on the field this fall.

I expect Hodge isn't going to be here long. That he couldn't participate in voluntary workouts because of his knee is a really bad sign. It isn't like he has surgery at the tail end of the season.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Which one of these guys was the project who isn't ready to contribute yet? Was it Victor Butler or Brandon Williams?

 

[casmith07]

Which one of these guys was the project who isn't ready to contribute yet? Was it Victor Butler or Brandon Williams?

Brandon Williams was injured. Jason Williams was seen as needing more time, same with Victor Butler. A bit raw.