Football: Focus returns to field for Miami linebacker

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Willie Williams' reputation was once based solely on football exploits.

The very talented, often troubled and ultra-hyped linebacker for No. 9 Miami hopes that will soon be the case again. - NFL Football -

"My adrenaline is just flowing so much," Williams said in the days leading to its opener against No. 14 Florida State last night. "I can't wait to run down. I'm ready. I've got that killer instinct. And when I get out there, I think it's going to be huge, huge trouble."

Williams previously played a game nearly two years ago, and much has happened since.

As a senior at Miami Carol City High School in 2003, Williams may have been the most feared and dominant player in the state. He practically willed his school to a state championship. In the final, the opposing quarterback's arm was broken with a crushing -- but clean -- hit from Williams. - NFL Football -

Florida State was among the many schools that pleaded for his services. But Williams signed with Miami Feb. 4, 2004.

That was the day when his arrest record -- with 11 entries on it -- became publicly known, with the capper that his most recent arrests stemmed from two incidents during his recruiting visit to the University of Florida in Gainesville.

He spent a few days in jail for violating probation. His admission to Miami was scrutinized and delayed. He eventually was sentenced to three more years of probation and must adhere to a number of rules to stay in the university's good graces.

"I'm sure he didn't have a lot of good role models around him," Miami left tackle Eric Winston said. "I think a lot of guys took it upon themselves, especially the guys who grew up in that neighborhood, to ... show him how things are done around here. I think he's done just fine."

Since enrolling at Miami, Williams has met all the stricter-than-standard academic requirements and satisfied his probation terms.

"I've grown tremendously on and off the field," said Williams, a father of 7-month-old daughter Willaya. "I've definitely matured, looking at different situations, different aspects in a mature way now. I brought life into this world. I've got to be a good example."

Touted as a player who could immediately thrive at college football's highest level, Williams' 2004 season was over before it started. A ligament in his right knee was torn in preseason practice and never got into a game a year ago for the Hurricanes. - NFL Football -

Now with 20 more pounds of muscle packed onto a chiseled frame that puts him at 240, Williams feels ready to pounce with the season before him.

"Willie has as much physical talent as anybody I've seen since I've been here," Miami quarterback Kyle Wright said. "He's a good kid. Obviously, everybody knows he's just extremely talented. If he gets out on the field, he's just a playmaker. He's going to be able to impact a game."

This is how much Wright thinks of Williams' ability: He calls him "Combine." As in NFL combine, the annual predraft showcase for scouts.

For all his skills, however, Williams isn't listed as a starter on the Hurricanes' depth chart. Not yet, anyway. - NFL Football -

The team suspects that will change, perhaps soon, and Williams will emerge as Miami's next great linebacker, following the likes of Ray Lewis, Mike Barrow, Jessie Armstead, Jonathan Vilma, Dan Morgan and D.J. Williams.

"He has shown me a lot," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "He's going to be an outstanding player."

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