April 29th, 2011 
Russ Loede 
Posted in 
The New #1 Back In The Valley Of The Sun?
NFL Draft Countdown’s Scouting Report on Ryan Williams:
Height: 5-9 3/8 | Weight: 212 | 40-Time: 4.61
NFL Comparison: Knowshon Moreno
Strengths:
• Natural runner with outstanding vision and instincts
• Athletic with good quickness, acceleration and burst
• Impressive balance, agility and change of direction
• Patient but also very decisive and hits the hole hard
• Tough, super competitive runner with good strength
• Extremely physical and won’t shy away from contact
• A low center of gravity and does not go down easily
• Shows the ability to run inside and outside effectively
• Powerful, keeps legs moving and usually falls forward
• Soft hands and is a reliable receiver out of backfield
• An adequate blocker who will put out maximum effort
Weaknesses:
• Just average size and is not built like a workhorse
• Lacks elite timed speed and isn’t a big play threat
• Fumbled too much and must take better care of ball
• Aggressive style leads to considerable punishment
• Battled some injuries and durability is a huge concern
• Limited experience and only one season of production
Notes:
A 1½-year starter for the Hokies and played in just 23 games during college career — Named 1st Team All-ACC in 2009 — A highly-touted recruit who Rivals rated as one of the Top 50 players in the country, regardless of position — Redshirted in 2008 — Took over starting job in 2009 after Darren Evans was hurt during preseason workouts and went on to set the school single-season rushing record — Suffered through a nightmarish sophomore slump, missing four games with a torn hamstring while looking ineffective in most others — Also missed time with a knee injury in high school — Looked like a future first round pick a couple years ago and could turn out to be a steal if he reverts to that form — Solid all-around player in the mold of Cadillac Williams or Knowshon Moreno but not necessarily special in any regard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGAQP1Rwsus
Russ’ Take: A lot of draft experts were supremely high on the Virgina Tech back. Personally, I had Taiwan Jones, Kendall Hunter, and Jacquizz Rodgers ranked higher. If Wells ever stays healthy, this would be a strong 1-2 punch. Williams compliments Beanie and without a second-round worthy QB on the board, it’s a nice pick. One thing’s for sure, you can’t knock this Hokies’ production.
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