themurf Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 (photo by Brian Murphy) [Editor's note: This season, the Washington Redskins have asked me to occasionally write feature stories for the team's official website, Redskins.com. This article is my latest contribution, so please check it out.] For as long as he can remember, there was only one thing Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams wanted to do with his life. "Football is a huge deal down in Texas and I always knew it was what I wanted to do," he said. Of course, anyone who has ever spent any length of time in Longview, Texas knows that they take their football very seriously. "Football is like a religion down there," Williams said with a laugh. "The turnout for our high school games looked like what you'd see other places for college games. People take a lot of pride in their football there. We'd have at least 5,000 or 6,000 people at our games, easy." Because Williams was so in love with the game, he wanted to begin playing as quickly as possible. Usually, children had to wait until they were in the third grade to begin playing football in Longview, but because Williams was bigger than most kids his age, he was able to start a year earlier. He might have been the youngest kid out there, but he was big, strong and had plenty of speed for a kid that size, so it made perfect sense that his first football coach wanted to build an offense around Williams as a running back. There was just one problem ... "I wasn't very good," he admitted. "I had a little bit of speed to me, so I could get away from people. But I couldn't hold onto the ball. I definitely had some ball security issues, so I guess running back wasn't my calling." Fortunately for Williams, there are plenty of positions on a football team that don't require a player to handle the ball. His coaches moved him to linebacker and Williams did a much better job once carrying the football was no longer involved. Through middle school he was still relatively close in height and weight to the other kids he was playing against, but by high school, Williams hit a growth spurt most kids can only dream of. By the time he got to ninth grade, Williams stood an imposing 6-foot-3 and 270 lbs. and there simply aren't many possible positions for a kid that big to play. So Williams, for better of for worse, was an offensive lineman. For some though, that can take a little bit of an adjustment because there's nothing glamorous about life in the trenches. An offensive lineman can lock down a defensive end for 50 straight plays, but one mistake and that's all anyone wants to talk about. "We don't play a glorified position," Williams said. "I mean, we get a little more notice nowadays, but no one wants to be the guy who has to stay back and block. It was always the most dreadful position on the team because no one wanted to play on the O-line. And honestly, people really can't tell if you're a good offensive or defensive lineman until much later in high school or even college. But a lot of people still give out scholarships on sheer potential." Although he hadn't played the position for very long, Williams still showed enough potential to entice his fair share of big-name college programs. "I was pretty raw, but I was athletic," he said. "And I had a mean streak that caught a lot of college recruiters' eyes. I always wanted to finish my blocks and I was always getting out and blocking guys in space -- taking on linebackers and defensive backs and showing that I had the athletic ability to keep up with most everyone out there on the field. I admit it though, I was very raw. I didn't have much technique, but I was coached well by my high school coaches." When it became time to choose a college, Williams had plenty of options (and scholarships) to choose from. But because several other players from East Texas, including Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson and former Redskins receiver Malcolm Kelly were already at the University of Oklahoma, and because of a lack of depth on the offensive line, Williams felt the Sooners were the best fit. During his first two years at Oklahoma, Williams made six starts each season at right tackle. During his junior year, Williams started all 14 games (playing both left and right tackle) on one of the premiere offensive lines in the country -- a unit that surrendered just 11 sacks all season long. During his senior season, Williams was named an All-American and was easily considered one of the best left tackles in the country. And yet, none of that immediately comes to mind when the 24-year-old thinks back to his college career. Click here for the full article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaGoonie55 Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Well written and very informative. Didn't know he couldn't carry a ball, that was very entertaining. I especially like the fact that he is not only concerned with himself, rather he goes out of his way to help the team. Glad he's in the BnG. Thanks!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsfan07 Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Great piece. People were talking about cutting him loose after his suspension, and he's come back more driven and determined than ever. Easily a top 5 LT in the game. Love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooooley47 Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 I think we've been spoiled as Skins fans going from Chris Samuels to Trent Williams. Definitely a huge position to be spoiled at, especially in the NFC East. One of the knocks on him coming out of college was his work ethic, and that is clearly not a problem now. I also loved seeing his excitement with RG3 after a big play. It shows how much fun they're having and how much Trent cares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themurf Posted December 19, 2012 Author Share Posted December 19, 2012 Honestly guys, this is one of my favorite things I've written all season long. I don't think I did anything all that special with it, but for whatever reason, Trent was more candid in his responses than I've seen or read from him before. Not sure why he picked me to open up to about his failed drug test and what motivates him these days, but I'm glad he did so I was able to share it with fellow 'Skins fans. So thanks to him and thanks to each of you for taking the time to read this feature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeefJerky Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Good stuff. Trent is no doubt a top tackle in the league. Him willing to put in the work speaks volumes. He will only get better. Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Sinister Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 I think we've been spoiled as Skins fans going from Chris Samuels to Trent Williams. Definitely a huge position to be spoiled at, especially in the NFC East. One of the knocks on him coming out of college was his work ethic, and that is clearly not a problem now. I also loved seeing his excitement with RG3 after a big play. It shows how much fun they're having and how much Trent cares. Yeah, it's not very often that teams have the opportunity to transition from a supremely talented (and dominant) LT to another. Seemed like around the time that he was drafted, the board was 50/50 Okung/Williams, and I'm glad we took Williams (though he was logically the best fit for our system to begin with). As long as he stays healthy and in shape, he is going to be dominant for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hiro Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 So awesome to read about a guy with that much physical talent, and that much drive to be the best at what he does. Not saying he's Canton bound, but that IS the stuff HOF careers are made of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TSO Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 What an absolute stud we have at that position. And playing hurt this year as well? He's officially matured. But, wow, some of things he can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetThePointsSoar Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Very nice piece as usual, murf. Love the chemistry this team is building right now. We have one HELL of a young core at the key positions to build upon for the first time in WAY too long. Love the maturity out of Trent, and you can see him improving his game this season, it's fun to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hail Em Up Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Well dominate then big fella!!! Good read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21MadFan Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Hey remember when everyone wanted Okung instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphs56 Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Hey remember when everyone wanted Okung instead? I was just about to post that. We made a good decision Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doghouse4x4 Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Honestly guys, this is one of my favorite things I've written all season long. I don't think I did anything all that special with it, but for whatever reason, Trent was more candid in his responses than I've seen or read from him before. Not sure why he picked me to open up to about his failed drug test and what motivates him these days, but I'm glad he did so I was able to share it with fellow 'Skins fans. So thanks to him and thanks to each of you for taking the time to read this feature. Awesome article murph, really enjoy it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinzwiz Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Through Burgundy lenses, he's the best tackle in football. In reality he is close to it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Great write up Murf. And you're right, I think that's the most he's opened up to anyone since he's been here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetThePointsSoar Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 I was just about to post that. We made a good decision With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, this staff has made a hell of a lot of them in terms of draft choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMUSkins Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, this staff has made a hell of a lot of them in terms of draft choices. You stole my thought! It is so refreshing to see young players make a major impact in their first 1-3 years here. My man crush for this team is getting out of hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogofWar1 Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 Excellent write-up, this is a great look into the life and mind of our franchise LT. He really has played lights-out this year, and has been doing so while injured even. I'm glad places like PFF are recognizing him for his level of play, he definitely deserves it. His attitude seems to be perfect too right now. Shanahan has drafted very high character, blue collar players, and is being rewarded, and I think Trent himself will be rewarded soon too with many accolades. Also, it still blows my mind he runs a 4.7. Like when I heard that I was like "That's...that's...not even remotely possible. People that big don't move that fast..." Except he is and he does. So yeah, on a list of NFL players I never want running into me at full speed, Williams is pretty much at the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
authentic Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 I think we've been spoiled as Skins fans going from Chris Samuels to Trent Williams. Definitely a huge position to be spoiled at, especially in the NFC East. One of the knocks on him coming out of college was his work ethic, and that is clearly not a problem now. I also loved seeing his excitement with RG3 after a big play. It shows how much fun they're having and how much Trent cares. Certainly! Man, how fortunate we are! We go straight from one All-Time great LT to a young, potential All-star LT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlvinWaltonIsMyBoy Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Silverback rules. He just can do things physically that no man his size is capable of. His forty time is just plain sick. He's got a nasty streak, which is awesome. Most players, Trent included, just needed a taste of winning. That brings a sense of accountability and a "I don't wanna be the guy that let's my team down" attitiude. This locker room is off the chain right now. Bring on the Philth. Oh, and watching Trent pancake guys down field is one of my favorite things to do. He's a head hunter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benskins26 Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 This is a great piece Murf. Makes me feel even better about the organization. This is a guy who felt bordering on part of the problem just a year ago, and now he's looking like one of the main cogs of change in culture and attitude, not to mention wins. Love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMUSkins Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Know what else stood out to me? The guy is 24. 24!!!!! As long as he stays healthy we are soooooo set at this position for a long, long time. Amazing pick by Shanny... it's easy to see where his plan started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RANSKINS98 Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Love this guy. I can't wait to rock his jersey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Trent Williams is a grown ass man. His development has been HUGE for the offense this year. As has, I think, the growth and cohesion by the OL overall. Slide a legit RT in there and we have the makings of a VERY good offensive line for years to come... (The other three guys arent as young as Trent, but at 27 (Lich) and 29 (Monty and Chester) they are in their primes and should have several good years left. Not to mention we've got a stable of young guys waiting in the wings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.