Arlington
TX
James Martin
ATH
5'8"
185
ALL STARS PROFILE  

DANZEL WILLIAMS

Williams is one of the shiftier backs in this class exhibiting great feet, balance and body control. He is built low to the ground, deceptively strong and put-together but does not have the large frame coveted in an every-down, load-back at the major college level. Projects more as a change-of-pace back or multi-purpose runner. Capable of ripping off a big run on any given carry. Displays great suddenness and quickness through the hole. Runs low to the ground and feet never stop moving giving him great momentum. Bounces, spins and breaks out of a ton of initial contact. One of the more slippery backs to wrap up we have seen in 2011 and rarely gives defenders a direct shot at him. Feet never stop on contact and his balance is excellent. Demonstrates very good openfield vision, feels defenders closing and runs with his eyes. Stop-starts and changes direction on a dime when he gets in space and is extremely elusive. Has polished hands and receiving skills and transitions smoothly upfield after the catch. Could be a valuable weapon in an open, spread offense with his elusiveness. Should add value on special teams as well. However, we do feel he is a bit quicker than fast and lacks an explosive second gear. Lacks great downhill power and may not have the frame to gain that type of body structure to gain it. Needs to work on getting thinner through the hole as well and letting his blocks develop with a bit more patience. We would not be surprised if he gets a serious look at safety or ideally a Nickel corner. Demonstrates great breaking quickness and transitional skills. Ball skills are very good as well. Overall, Williams shows flashes of Barry Sanders type running style; a big-play back if used creatively. A great athlete who could add value in all three phases of the game.