Head coach Gus Malzahn commented on the updated status of the receiver following practice on Thursday.
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Even last year’s leading receiver, Sammie Coates, didn’t get it at first, Craig said, “until he learned how to practice the way we wanted him to practice”.
As for Williams’ place on the depth chart, he’s gone from the penthouse to the outhouse and has begun the climb back to first team, but Malzahn stressed that Williams has a long way to go. He’s at the bottom of the depth chart, and he’s going to have to earn his way back up.
Williams began missing preseason practice on August 7 and had not been in attendance for any team activities since.
Craig, a former Auburn quarterback who knows a lot about winning, was part of the Tigers’ turnaround in 2013, when the Tigers flipped a 3-9 record of the previous staff to a 13-2 record.
It would appear Williams has come to the same realization, because in answering questions about his reinstatement Thursday, Malzahn said “I try to keep the same standard for everybody”.
Asked specifically if Williams would play in the opening game, Malzahn said, “It’s a daily deal just like everybody else on our team”.
When Dr Z submitted his article on the Duke situation, I was originally going to hold it until tomorrow.
Williams is not a first round prospect based on his 2014 game film, but with improved consistency blocking and finishing catches, he has the physical skill-set to be one of the top seniors drafted next spring, likely on day two.
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Williams was also suspended for the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin. He considered turning pro, but opted to come back for his senior season. “For anybody that missed that many practices that’s to be expected”. “I’m going back to doing everything I did in ’13”, Craig said.
