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Choosing Penn State wasn't the popular choice at that time, and a lot of people let Williams know they didn't agree with his choice.

"Everybody was against my choice --my dad, my high school coaching staff," he said. "It's good to have been a part of things that worked out like they did. There was a lot of pressure on me at that time to go somewhere else. Personally, things worked out for me. The coaching staff and everyone (at Penn State) made me feel welcome and comfortable, and I knew it was the right place for me."

9 months ago Image_tiny Run Up The Score 8 comments 2 recs  | 

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Between The Ears

Oct 2009 by Run Up The Score - 25 comments

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See...

some kids can & do make good decisions…

" ...the pool or the pond; the pond is good for you..."

by BlueWhiteLife on Jan 22, 2009 10:53 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Favorite Player

Williams is my all-time favorite player to don the Blue and White. My first year here was his freshman season, which was obviously special. While he may not have fully lived up to his incredible athletic potential (I place the majority of the blame on that guy with the rad tribal arm tattoo), what he did for both the university and the program is incredible. I look at him as the root cause and turning point of the demise of the Dark Years. He put us back on the national map (for the right reasons) and helped other kids realize that Penn State is still a great place to both go to school and play football. Also, while he was out on the field, every time he touched the ball there was a chance he could do something special. Of course, sometimes it didn’t work, but not everything does. I will always remember D-Will, perhaps not just as a player, but more as a breath of fresh air that helped reinvigorate Penn State football.

by Bob Sacamano on Jan 22, 2009 12:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Agree 100%

I graduated in 91 and followed Penn State football for many years before that, so I’ve seen a lot of great ones come and go through Penn State. Derrick Williams is one of the greatest – not necessarily for what he did on the field, but because of the hope he returned to Penn State and because he was always a class act. Let’s hope we get more like him in the future.

"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza

by NJ lion on Jan 22, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

This is why I love recruits like D-Will

and question the guys that decommit from a school just because it is struggling for a year or 2.

by The JuggerNitt on Jan 22, 2009 3:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

DWills

My friend is a nurse in MD and took care of his Mom. He was around a lot and she said he is a great guy. I will miss him.

by letsgopsu on Jan 22, 2009 4:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Important...

Derrick Williams is the most important Penn State player since the beginning of the BCS era.

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things." -Joe Paterno

by TheGunslinger on Jan 23, 2009 6:05 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yes...but not because of play on the field. He was our best recruiter post "dark years"

Let it be known, I think we mis-used Dwill and he is a good/solid player.

I just think people get carried away w/ his “greatness” on here. He had some nice games for PSU, never was un-stoppable.

by SweepTheLeg on Jan 26, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe not an unstoppable player, true.

But pretty damn close at times. Not the most crisp route-runner, but will get much better in that area I am sure, because there’s no doubting the kid’s work ethic. And while he wasn’t unstoppable, he was versatile enough to make our offense that much more unstoppable just because of his presence. A big, strong, fast, athletic, versatile, mature leader is a rare thing in any sport at any level and we were able to enjoy four years with one. Good luck in the future!

by jimbo2psu on Jan 28, 2009 1:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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