DeAngelo Williams Rushes His Way Into Team History

Fans of D1 athlete DeAngelo Williams knew he had potential when the former Memphis star complied an NCAA record of 7,572 yards, but it looked like Williams would take a backseat when he spent his first two years with the Panthers playing backup to DeShaun Foster. After Foster's release though, he was presented with more of an opportunity to showcase those skills that made him a star in college. At the season's midpoint, Williams is on his way to becoming only the third player in team history to rush more than 1,000 yards as he already has 522 yards on 120 carries and three touchdowns.

"He's being more of a leader," fullback Brad Hoover said. "Finishing runs, doing the little things in the film room, on the field, that's made him a better player so far. The good thing is, Jonathan has seen him do these things so he's following in his footsteps. So he's making him better at the same time."

This year the Panthers are 6-0 when they rush for more than 100 yards, 0-2 when they don't. The Panthers have even occasionally snapped the ball directly to Williams. He gained 23 yards on four direct snaps against the Cardinals.