Deangelo Williams came out of high school as the #1 rated running back in the state of Arkansas where he ran for over 2,200 yards as a senior, leading his team to the 4A state championship. Williams also excelled in track where he set the state record with a 10.81 time in the 100. He was recruited by schools such as Arkansas, Ole Miss and Iowa and had verbally committed to Arkansas before changing his mind just prior to signing day, opting to attend the University of Memphis instead. At Memphis, Deangelo was able to get significant playing time early on in his career, rushing for over 600 yards on his way to being named Conference USA freshman of the year in 2002. He went on to set the Memphis single season rushing record as a sophomore with over 1,400 yards on the year. He broke his own record as a junior, rushing for 1,948 yards, which was good for the 13th best rushing season in NCAA history. The two-time Conference USA player of the year led the nation in rushing touchdowns with 22 in 2004 and enters his senior season just 303 yards shy of becoming Conference USA?s all-time leading rusher. By the end of his senior year, Williams should also be the Conference?s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns as well as total touchdowns, he is currently tied for the lead in both categories.

Deangelo Williams has average size and excellent speed for a running back. He hits the hole hard and is very elusive in the open field. Despite his lack of prototypical size, Williams does have the ability to not only be a home run threat, but to gain yards inside as well. His ability as a receiver out of the backfield as well as pick up the blitz make him one of the best prospects available in the 2006 NFL draft. The only concerns for Deangelo are the fact that he played in a weak conference in college as well as his injury history. His only major injury in high school was a broken foot which cost him the majority of his sophomore season. However, since coming to the University of Memphis, he has yet to have a season where he hasn?t missed a game due to a leg injury. He missed one game as a freshman with a sprained knee, the final two games of his sophomore season with a torn MCL, and he broke his leg in the GMAC bowl his junior season. Aside from being an outstanding athlete, Deangelo Williams has all the intangibles that would make an NFL team feel comfortable investing a high pick and large contract in. He comes from a very supportive family and is well-known for his high character. He is a hard worker and team player who will do whatever is asked of him. Deangelo Williams is not only an excellent football player, but also the type of person you want on your football team.