Indicators suggest a big year is in store for Trayveon Williams

Resting on my desk at TexAgs is a DeAngelo Williams dye-cast model race car, a Byron Leftwich bobblehead doll and a Chase Daniel view master.

They are among several items sent out by college football sports information departments to promote a Heisman Trophy candidate. Memphis sent the car. Marshall sent the bobblehead. Of course, Missouri distributed the view master. I also received a Collin Klein band-aid canister from Kansas State, a Jordan Lynch lunch box from Northern Illinois and a horse-riding Ed Oliver bobblehead from Houston, which arrived just last week.

Texas A&M should follow that lead and promote running back Trayveon Williams by celebrating his hairstyle. A lone dreadlock cascades down Williams’ forehead and extends past his nose. Rather than a bobblehead, the A&M Sports Information Department could distribute a braided strand of hair that attaches to the forehead of balding sports writers across the nation.

OK. So that may be a hair-brained idea. In reality, no one is anticipating that Williams will get into the Heisman Trophy discussion. Don’t expect Williams to emerge as a Heisman candidate. But do expect a big year from Williams, who will be featured in first-year coach Jimbo Fisher’s system unlike in the previous offense. Williams has shown star power, but he’s never before been the star of the show.

Elisabeth Schmitt, TexAgs

Trayveon Williams sports his signature single dreadlock at last Thursday's press conference. 

“It’s a great feeling being able to be that guy in an offense that’s kind of honestly centered around you,” Williams said. “But at the same time what I do (is dictated by) what the guys around me do. The offensive line had a great summer. Our receivers have been doing a great job. Our quarterbacks are ready to go out there and compete."

“It’s a great feeling knowing the guys around me are in a great position so I can go out there and do great things.”

He’s already done great things. Just two seasons ago he rushed for 1,057 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman. He opened his sophomore season with 203 rushing yards against UCLA. Halfway through his collegiate career, Williams has already logged nine runs that covered more than 30 yards and six of more than 40. He did that despite playing in a pass-oriented offense in which running the football was a second thought.

Now, it’ll be second nature. Offensive linemen will attack at the snap rather than backfield. A tight end (or two) will be used. A fullback, too. Cullen Gillaspia has taken on the fullback job and has drawn high praise for his play in practice.

“Having a guy like Cullen Gillaspia in front of me being able to block and open things up,” Williams said.  “I’m excited about it. I’m ready to go out there and display it at Kyle Field.”

Also, receivers are demanded to be more involved in the running game.

“Usually a receiver is just a one-on-one block outside on the perimeter,” A&M sophomore receiver Jhamon Ausbon said.  “Now, it’s more. You’re inside the run game. You’re blocking ‘Mike' backers. You’re blocking outside backers. You’re blocking safeties. You’re actually in the run play.

“It’s different than a lot of receivers because they usually just come off the ball. You know if it’s a run or a pass. For us, you shouldn’t know whether it’s a run or a pass. You should always run full speed off the ball and you’re in there making collisions with defensive ends and everybody.”

Ausbon, for one, has embraced that role just as he’d embrace a deep pass.

“I think I’m pretty good (at blocking),” he said. “I’m almost 220 (pounds). It’s kind of fun getting in down there and getting physical. I’m a physical receiver so I enjoy it.”

Williams will enjoy the extra blocking. Aggies will enjoy seeing Williams breaking off more long runs. He’s 5.6 yards per carry en route to rushing for 1,855 yards in his career. He’s averaged just 13 carries a game.

If Williams averages 20 carries over 13 games at his career pace he’d rush for roughly 1,456 yards. That would qualify as a big year. Maybe big enough to promote him for major awards.