DE Josh Williams, 6-4, 245, So.

Williams spent most of his redshirt freshman season riding a stationary bike while recovering from an injury. Just how much he would contributed had he been healthy is questionable; Carl Pelini and John Papuchis orchestrated an effective three-man rotation at the position that split time between Pierre Allen, Barry Turner and Cameron Meredith. With Turner’s graduation, Williams could be that third wheel - or it could be redshirt freshman Jason Ankrah.

After gaining 30 pounds in his red shirt season, this is Williams first extended opportunity to flash his skills at a bigger weight. Reputedly a pass rusher, we’ll look for an explosive first step and the skill to get around the corner. In 2009, Pelini/Papuchis asked their ends to collapse the pocket toward the interior defensive line; Williams seems like more of a flusher.

In upcoming years, this position will only get more competitive. If Williams is going to stake his claim on a big role at defensive end - now is the time to do it.

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