According to Smoaky.com DE Braylon Williams commited to SMU

[PonyTales]

Is he not a three star? I would guess they put some weight on him and move him inside.

That might well be the plan - who knows. As long as he's got the initial burst/acceleration, I bet he's OK.

Plus, we signed Kevin Grenier this year - Rivals lists him at 4.8. The coaches must think that's a tolerable time on the defensive line if a kid has talent.

[HFvictory]

TCU never wanted him anyway.

That's very heavy sarcasm for the TCU trolls.

He is a very good kid and TCU coaches did talk to him a lot and he was at the TCU camp. TE is not a position of need this year and to play DE coaches really like LBer speed. He wasn't going to get the offer unless he really improved in a few areas and think with the right focus he could do it.

[Stallion]

I think this is a kid that eventually would have gotten some more offers but right now he doesn't have them. He is a prospect not a complete sleeper and many schools showed interest-If he doesn't have the speed for defensive end maybe he could be redshirted bulked up and play DLM eventually. Words of wisdom a Scout 3 star is often an inflated rating. Look behind the rating for offers especially with Scout. Heck I think Houstson has about 8 three star recruits according to Scout and hardly any have any real offers and even fewer have quality, multiple offers. Pony Stampede is doing a great job, but the Scout rating system is a joke. I really think Alan Zepeda at Scout thinks he knows more than recruiters-for those that complain that recruiting servives are arbitrary rankings by sportswriters, Alan Zepeda is your best example. A 3 star should be based on the consensus of the professionals ie Coaching Staffs that make offers.

[Top 25]

Hey, we had him in camp. June Jones and Tom Mason certainly know that he's fast enough.

[mrydel]

I am thinking rather than 60 pounds and moving to DL that he adds 30-40 and plays guard. We really need guards at 6' 3" and up and tackles even taller. He apparently has some blocking experience as a TE. That is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw his 40 time.

[CalallenStang]

I'm getting the idea that no matter what position this kid plays, we are going to have to develop his talent. I think this staff will do a good job in talent development. Unfortunately, that was the aspect that Bennett's staff did not excel in.

[Nacho]

http://www.miamidolphins.com/2008draft/ ... iew_dl.asp

[Samurai Stang]

I'm getting the idea that no matter what position this kid plays, we are going to have to develop his talent. I think this staff will do a good job in talent development. Unfortunately, that was the aspect that Bennett's staff did not excel in.

Ah yes, Bennett's one shortcoming.

[CalallenStang]

I'm getting the idea that no matter what position this kid plays, we are going to have to develop his talent. I think this staff will do a good job in talent development. Unfortunately, that was the aspect that Bennett's staff did not excel in.

Ah yes, Bennett's one shortcoming.

Ok, one of the aspects. I do, however, think that talent development was his most glaring shortcoming.

[OC Mustang]

Saw him play last year versus EF. Man among children. Of course, that's 2A, but he was a monster.

[PonyPatrol]

Great point Nacho, Chris Long's 4.75 40 time was sixth best at the NFL combine. A 260 lbs DE (projecting) that runs a 4.6 is more of an NFL prospect than a college recruit. Let's settle down on the expectations a little bit.

Derrick Harvery came out of HS as a 5 star at 6-5, 235 and ran a 4.7. Chris Long was a four star running a 4.85. These are just two of the top three DE's from this year's NFL draft class. Pretty similar numbers comparing a 4 and 5 star player to one that people assume may have trouble playing DE for 1-11 SMU.

[mrydel]

Great point Nacho, Chris Long's 4.75 40 time was sixth best at the NFL combine. A 260 lbs DE (projecting) that runs a 4.6 is more of an NFL prospect than a college recruit. Let's settle down on the expectations a little bit.

Derrick Harvery came out of HS as a 5 star at 6-5, 235 and ran a 4.7. Chris Long was a four star running a 4.85. These are just two of the top three DE's from this year's NFL draft class. Pretty similar numbers comparing a 4 and 5 star player to one that people assume may have trouble playing DE for 1-11 SMU.

That makes little or no sense in regard to this kid. He is 235 and listed at 4.9 on Scout. I do not think that compares him to Chris Long. Most, not all, but most folks get slower as they put on weight. The kid may turn out to be an All American, but on paper the numbers do not project as such.

[PonyPride]

That's true, but there also are strength coaches - Vic Viloria being one - who work with players on "running efficiency." Vic says there are a lot of guys who have a lot of wasted effort, and once they iron some of that out, some - not all, but some - players can shave several tenths off their 40 time. Having never seen this guy run, none of us knows whether he falls into that category, but it's worth considering, I guess.

[mrydel]

That's true, but there also are strength coaches - Vic Viloria being one - who work with players on "running efficiency." Vic says there are a lot of guys who have a lot of wasted effort, and once they iron some of that out, some - not all, but some - players can shave several tenths off their 40 time. Having never seen this guy run, none of us knows whether he falls into that category, but it's worth considering, I guess.

I hope I do not come off as negative on the kid. I am not. I am trusting the ability of this staff to select and recruit until proven otherwise. What I am saying is that it is very possible that they saw something in him from a size and speed standpoint that may project him at a postion other than what he now plays. I hope they are good enough to be able to foresee and project in that manner. We shall see and learn.

[SMU 86]

Saw him play last year versus EF. Man among children. Of course, that's 2A, but he was a monster.

Glad to get a prospective from someone that actually saw him play.

He is a very good kid and TCU coaches did talk to him a lot and he was at the TCU camp. TE is not a position of need this year and to play DE coaches really like LBer speed.

TCU DE commit Byrant House runs a 4.9 40.

According to the latest interview with Braylon Williams, he runs a 4.8 which is the same speed as Texas 3 star DE commit Kyle Kregel. I think we are in good company with the young man.