Texas Longhorns Preseason Player Feature: Aaron Williams

Anyone who is a fan of the Texas Longhorns should know cornerback Aaron Williams.  Williams has been an important part of the Longhorns' defense since coming to Texas three years ago.  

Williams was a highly recruited player out of McNeil High School and came to Texas with many honors and awards.  This much recognition earned him the chance to go to many schools but he chose to go to Texas where he has excelled since his arrival.

Williams participated in 13 games during his freshman season in 2008 and even started one of those games.  Some of the outstanding things he did that season include blocking four punts and returning an interception 81 yards for a touchdown.  This was the beginning of a brilliant career with the Longhorns.

During his sophomore season in 2009, Williams ended up starting 13 games at the cornerback position, while missing just one with an injury.  Some of the major highlights of his sophomore campaign include two sacks and three interceptions.

Williams heads into the new season with a lot of promise on a team that should field one of the best defenses in college football.  Williams has been an asset to this program ever since he arrived and should have another great season.

When looking at what Williams brings to the Longhorns as a player, the first thing that you will notice about him is his ability and skill in playing the position.  He has great anticipation and is able to tell where the receiver is going without getting hung up or biting on fakes.  This also shows his intelligence and desire to study game film and be well prepared for each game.

Physically, Williams is very gifted and can flip his hips well to move in transition from his backpedal.  He also tackles well and isn’t afraid to hit someone.  

However, he has had one consistent knock against him since coming to Texas and that’s been his size.  Williams stands 6’1” and weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 pounds, so some people have felt that he’s a little small for the position, but he certainly hasn’t had any problems tackling anyone.

He isn’t afraid to play the run and has been one of the better cornerbacks in the nation when it comes to defending against the run.  He is also a fluid athlete and a solid playmaker.

This should be a great season for Williams and the rest of the Longhorns' defense, as they prepare to try to make another run at the BCS title this season. 

This could be one of the strongest units on the team, and Williams could be one of the more sought after cornerbacks in the NFL Draft.