Far too often, players enter the season with a profile that doesn't quite match his worth to the team.
In other words, they're coming in under the radar. We'll continue our series today looking at those guys who should get more respect and attention than they have this offseason.
Next up: Oklahoma.
Under the radar: RB Damien Williams
Oklahoma fans need no warning about Williams' skills (and Texas fans might not either), but Williams is criminally under the radar on a conference-wide scale. All the talk this preseason is about Baylor's Lache Seastrunk and James Sims and John Hubert, a pair of experienced backs in the Sunflower State. Even Texas' trio of backs in Malcolm Brown, Johnathan Gray and Joe Bergeron have earned more ink than Williams.
Last season, the juco transfer didn't take long to make an impact, sealing a win over UTEP with a 65-yard touchdown run. People forget two huge things about Williams:
Last year was his first season playing FBS football
He was 68 yards away from being the Big 12's leading returning rusher
The pieces are in place for Williams to have a huge year and even lead the Big 12 in rushing. Despite his inexperience, he clearly won the starting job ahead of Brennan Clay and the flashy Roy Finch, showing great vision in tight spots and earning a little bit of NFL buzz along the way.
The 6-foot, 208-pounder has deceptive speed but runs hard and low to the ground. It's easy to see why the Sooners signed him and as a senior, great things could be in store. Despite a limited number of carries, he topped 90 yards in six games last season, averaging 5.38 yards a touch. By the end of the season, it was clear Williams was the featured back, and he'll get a chance to have the production to match this fall.