College Football
Trayveon Williams is back
Trayveon Williams burst onto the college football scene as true freshman rushing for more than 1,000 yards at Texas A&M in 2016. One of the most prolific backs that season, it appeared that then head coach Kevin Sumlin had found his money back. But then 2017 came and Sumlin forgot he had a money back. Instead he seemed to be confused with how to run an offense. Exit Sumlin. Enter Jimbo Fisher and Trayveon Williams is set to make another big splash.
Enter Jimbo Fisher
Fisher, the $10 million savior, arrived at A&M with a history of establishing a powerful, punishing run game. The Aggies will not rank ninth in the run game under Fisher as they did last season under Sumlin when they were lucky to average 150 yards per game. Williams will enjoy lining up behind a fullback this season as Fisher has moved former linebacker Cullen Gillaspia to that pivotal position.
“It got my attention from the first time that I saw it, that I was going to have the opportunity to play for him,” Williams said. “I knew that he had great success with his past few running backs, with all of those guys and Dalvin Cook, (Devonta) Freeman, and all of those guys. It’s just the opportunity to play for him and being a running back in his offense because you know he loves a running back.“
What’s Different
Under new strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt, Williams has transformed his body. The junior has become a devoted disciple to Schmidt’s program and will enter the season weighing at least 205. Williams admits that his numbers decline last season was due in part to nagging injuries and low weight. It has been said that he played under his listed weight of 200 pounds.
“I have some strength and weight behind those pads,” he said. “And the strength adds to my speed. Having that explosiveness with that body type is better for this year.”
If the explosive Trayveon Williams from C.E. King High School in Houston returns in 2018, look out SEC.
The Difference Maker
Texas A&M running backs coach Jay Graham followed Jimbo Fisher to College Station. Six years in the NF were gave Graham much of what he needed to know to build a powerhouse run game at Florida State. Under his tutelage, backs like Cook, Freeman, James Wilder Jr and Karlos Williams. The latter was a defensive back before Graham turned him into NFL running back (Buffalo Bills). Now Graham has another Williams to work with and this one is even better than the last. This is why 2018 could be a monster year at Kyle Field for Trayveon Williams.
The Bottom Line
Trayveon Williams is the key to the Aggies’ success in 2018. A strong run game means less pressure on the quarterback and more concern for the opposing defense. A healthy run game opens up wide receiver routes and allows A&M to be more creative and less predictable, a knock on Sumlin last season. Don’t be surprised to see Williams at the top of the nation’s rushing leaders and in the talk for a Heisman. He is that good.
