Brandon Williams Catching On

[Jeremy Igo]

Last season, Brandon Williams entered training camp as a long shot. Williams was signed to the Panthers roster in April of 2013 after having been out for football for two years. In 2011 he was diagnosed as having a narrow spinal canal and bulging disk that prevented him from continuing at Oregon. Instead, Brandon played basketball for a small bible college.

What a difference a year makes.

This year in offseason workouts Williams, or "Swole" as his teammates call him, is spending a good amount of time with the starting offensive unit. This is a big leap from last season when he mainly spent time with the third string units. It appears one of David Gettleman's gambles could be paying off again.

I caught up with Brandon after practice to get his thoughts on his progress.

"I feel a lot more relaxed. Having that year of experience under my belt, everything is starting to slow down for me. I also know the play book a lot better. Whatever the coaches want me to do, I am going to do what I can to get comfortable doing it."

Williams understands that the more versatile he can make himself, the more likely he will be again earning a roster post this season. This means not only performing on offense, but special teams as well.

After practice, Williams spend a long while with Special Teams Coordinator Richard Rogers. They were going over his stance and tweaking the things Williams needs to do in order to excel.

Not many players stay after practice to put in extra work, and even fewer stay to practice special teams. But Brandon seems determined to do whatever is necessary to succeed as a Panther.

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[YoungPanthers89]

Hoping for a big preseason for this kid

[Peppers90 NC]

Swole is a good nickname.  This is the kind of kid that is easy for a fan to root for.

[PanthersAlv]

Been waiting to hear good news about him. I will keep hope'n for a strong showing from him through training camp and beyond.

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[*FreeFua*]

From our returning players I'm most excited to watch him and Bersin in the preseason.

Still remember the last kickoff after the Olsen TD in Miami, BWilly was the first one down the field. Impressive for a guy that size.

[Kuech the Sneak]

It'll be nice to see if he can contribute this year, I'm hopeful

[PhillyB]

maybe my FF team name can be Thighs for Dinna for the second year in a row

[Draconus]

Wouldn't mind him being our #2 TE instead of Ed.  The guy's ceiling is as high as it gets.

[LinvilleGorge]

He seems to be a guy the staff really likes and it seems like they're doing everything they can to give him as much opportunity as possible to earn a spot.  Sounds like they're doing a lot to work him in at TE as well as utilizing him in the backfield and working him on STs.  If you're not a starter, then you greatly improve your chances of sticking if you're versatile. 

[philp]

Swole is a good nickname.  This is the kind of kid that is easy for a fan to root for.

 

i prefer greek adonis

[Captain Morgan]

Every year there is a guy that we hope breaks out and is a real contributor.. 

 

I'll say this year I'm a little more positive about it.

[KillaCamNewton]

Man, if/when this guy puts it all together

[LinvilleGorge]

Every year there is a guy that we hope breaks out and is a real contributor.. 

 

I'll say this year I'm a little more positive about it.

 

Yep, and that guy always seems to be a pass catcher.  From David Gettis to Gary Barnidge to Armanti Edwards to now Brandon Williams.  Hopefully B. Williams can finally be the guy who actually DOES break out.

[lola]

I really think Cam's stable of weapons is going to be impressive. Williams has huge potential and I think we will see good things from him. The more the media talks about how crappy our receivers are, the better they will respond. They aren't flashy, but I would much rather have substance over style.

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