by Scott Simone
Anyone who follows Syracuse football knows the whirlwind story of Mike Williams. To say the wide receiver had a chaotic collegiate career would be an understatement.
On the field, he was a gifted, NFL-caliber receiver that catapulted his way into stardom in the Big East. But, he just couldn’t seem to stay on the field.
(Williams had 20 career TD receptions at Syracuse.)
Williams was suspended for the entire 2008 season for violating SU’s academic integrity policy. After returning for the 2009 season, he showed no signs of decline, racking up 49 receptions for 746 yards and six touchdowns in just seven games. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Williams walked out of the program mid-season. It was later revealed that Williams was involved in a car crash returning home from Turning Stone–a central New York casino–hours past the team’s curfew.
During the NFL Combine that same year, Williams told the Buffalo News, “If I don’t go in the first round, I’ll be the steal of the draft.” With his chaotic background, many scoffed at this seemingly disillusioned statement. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a chance in the fourth round. Williams is showing his potential. He is the prototype of an NFL wide receiver, standing at 6-foot-2 with lightning speed.
(Williams was drafted 101st overall in 2010.)
He looked solid in his debut against the Browns, compiling 5 catches for over 30 yards and one touchdown in a winning effort. In Week 2, he solidified his place as QB Josh Freeman’s favorite receiver, finishing with 54 yards, 35 of which came on a touchdown, in a victory over the Panthers.
Williams seems to have backed up his words, for now, and is certainly making a strong argument to be the steal of the draft.
(Williams has 12 receptions for the 2-1 Bucs this season.)
The question remains. Is he for real or will he be just another talented receiver whose off the field antics outweigh the good he does on the field?
Only time will tell.
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