By the time his senior year rolled around, University of Alabama tight end Michael Williams was getting a little frustrated. Yes, he had been part of not one, b
ut two national championship teams, that obiovusly wasn't the problem.Everyone knew he was a good blocker, and that was the primary reason why NFL teams were showing interest in him. But among returning players on the 2012 Crimson Tide, Williams had the second-most receptions the previous season with 16, just one behind wide receiver Kenny Bell . It was adding to the chip on his shoulder, that already existed from being recruiting out of a remote part of western Alabama.
‘Toward the end of the season we realized that the tight ends needed to have a bigger role,” Williams said. “ We started taking the 5-yard plays and the 10-yard plays to the tight ends. It probably opened up a lot for A.J. on the outside too.” “With us having some new plays we’re going to have to have him doing some certain things,” McCarron said. “You’re always going to have to expand as a player, you’re never going to be able to do just one thing and that’s it. Mike’s done a great job of making plays for us throughout his career. He’ll continue to do a good job, I’m not worrying about him.”
• Returned two interceptions for touchdowns as a junior despite playing in just six games due to a knee injury• Three-year starter credited with 232 career tackles, including 18 for a loss and two sacks, with one interception and two forced fumbles and recoveries• Was a defensive end in high school who moved to tight end. Was like having an extra offensive lineman on the field, especially in the run game and short-yardage situationsHad 94 receptions for 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns.
His presence was crucial in the development of the linebacker corps as well. DePriest entered the fall having played in 40 games, with 26 starts for the Crimson Tide, while no one else was close in terms of experience or on-field production of 149 career tackles and 65 in 2013. Outside linebackers Dickson and Anderson made major contributions, especially in pass-rushing situations, and helped the Crimson Tide avoid having to take a step back when Devall was sidelined for three games by an ankle injury.
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