Brandon Williams Leaves . . . Now What?

by Seth C on Jan 13, 2009 6:09 AM CST in Football Comment 4 comments

So defensive end Brandon Williams decides to declare for the NFL draft and the next thought is where does this leave Texas Tech?

Class designations are for next year (i.e. Whitlock was a sophomore this year and will be a junior next year).

End	Nose Tackle	Tackle	Rush End
Daniel Howard; 6-3/238; SR	Colby Whitlock; 6-2/285; JR	Rajon Henley; 6-3/266; SR	McKinner Dixon; 6-3/250; SR
Sandy Riley; 6-0;237; SR	Chris Perry; 6-3/308; SO	Richard Jones; 6-1/272; SR	Brandon Sesay; 6-6/279; SR
Brandon Sharpe; 6-3/244; SR	Clint Stoffels; 6-0/254; JR	Britton Barbee; 6-2/282; JR	Ryan Haliburton; 6-4/242; RS FR
Kerry Hyder; 6-2/246; FR	Romario Cathey; 6-3/275; FR	-	Trevor Reilly; 6-6/220; FR

Obviously, it would have been a lot cooler had Brandon Williams decided to stay. I think of all of the part-time players from last year (Howard, Riley and Sharpe) Howard has the best motor and best ability of that group. Perhaps that's just me and I could certainly be proven wrong going forward. In fact, I think I might have wanted Howard to start over Jake Ratliff.

Keep in mind that David Neill was moved from the defensive line to offensive line (I still say this was a mistake) and it would make me happy to see Neill switch back considering the overall lack of depth at defensive end and defensive tackle, especially after this year. There's going to be a ton of attrition along the defensive line next year and Ruffin McNeill is going to need every man available.

I wonder too if Omar Castillo would be willing to move to the defensive side of the ball, although dedfischer mentioned that he recently practiced at tight end during the December practices and would guess that he has the requisite athleticism to play tackle or defensive end.

Again, in 2010, we're going to need every man available.

0 recs | Comment 4 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Maybe its just me here ...

But does this not seem like a HUGE mistake to anyone else? I mean yes he is a great athlete and all, but Tech isnt exactly known for its defensive standouts to the rest of the nation. I mean when you declare early it would usually come from a team or side of the ball that has gained some fame for being a standout in some way. Are NFL teams really looking to pick up players leaving early from OUR defense? I can understand Crabtree leaving early with his 2 belitnikof*sp awards and all… but honestly… our defense? I hate to bash us and all but how does this not come off as just silly to anyone else?

by Vassago77379 on Jan 13, 2009 9:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope it was grades or the like,because otherwise ,it really looks like a terrible move for him and Tech. plop,plop, fizz.fizz

by DR.MARK on Jan 13, 2009 1:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

???

I would think he will be a 6th round pick,. He should stay and have another great year and improve to a 3rd or 4th round pick. Orakpo stayed his SR year after a good JR year and now he will be a 1st or 2nd round pick. This is a stupid move and it seems like he’s thinking he must go now after a good year. This is were Tech coaches need to be like Mack Brown and really let Williams know his best option.

by GPD on Jan 13, 2009 8:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

$310,000

That is the minimum salary if he make a team in 2009.
For a low middle class kid who is not after a higher education, and who might have family obligations that we are not aware of, that is a good pay day.
If he works hard and improves his play then he will make well above the minimum in ensuing years, but why not collect a pay check to get better, rather than pad the pockets of
Tech.

VIVA LA FIGA!

by bmaxw on Jan 13, 2009 10:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs