The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

Cadillac envisions great things for Bucs offense

Carnell Williams smiled and offered his best impression of Jon Gruden’s voice when he related how the coach broke the news that he was Tampa Bay’s first-round draft pick.”Hey, Cadillac. You ready to roll?” the former Auburn star recalled. “I said, ‘Let’s do this, coach.'”

It was a call Williams had expected for some time.

The highly regarded running back, whom Gruden is counting on to inject life into a listless ground attack, left the Senior Bowl convinced there was a good chance he would wind up with the Bucs on draft day.

He and Gruden, who coached the South in the annual All-Star game, got along well during a week of practice in Mobile, Ala.

And, Williams knew Tampa Bay desperately needed a feature back after ranking 29th in rushing last season.

“I wouldn’t call myself a savior,” Williams said Monday during his first visit since being drafted fifth overall. “There are already some key components in place, guys ready to roll. I’m an addition to the offense that’s going to help.

“Of course there’s pressure. But I live for pressure. I love it. Let’s play ball.”

Williams ran for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior, helping Auburn go 13-0 and win the Southeastern Conference championship.

He finished second on the Tigers’ career rushing list with 3,831 yards and broke Bo Jackson’s school record for touchdowns with 46-45 of them on the ground.

The native of Attalla, Ala., is well aware that the Bucs don’t have a good history with Auburn running backs selected in the first round.

Jackson, a Heisman Trophy winner, was the first pick in the 1986 draft, but opted to play baseball instead of signing with Tampa Bay, then one of the worst-run franchises in the NFL.

He re-entered the draft the following year and was selected by the Oakland Raiders.

“I definitely know Bo,” Williams said, breaking into a smile. “Carnell is not like Bo.”

Tampa Bay is where he wants to be.

Williams has followed Gruden’s career since the coach’s tenure in Oakland and envisions himself flourishing in the Bucs’ version of the West Coast offense.

He worried Saturday that Chicago might select him fourth overall and was relieved when the Bears instead chose Texas running back Cedric Benson.

Now, he wants to do whatever is necessary to put himself in a position to contribute as a rookie. That includes signing a contract, getting into training camp on time and learning the offense as quickly as possible.

The Bucs have not ranked higher than 24th in rushing under Gruden, who is confident Williams can make a difference-both as a runner and receiver.

“This guy can make you miss, and I’ve seen him knock people out,” Gruden said. “When his hands are on the ball, good things happen. … I’ve seen him make clutch plays in key situations for a long time.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All the nicholls worth Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Activate Search
Cadillac envisions great things for Bucs offense