#1 Derrick Williams (Wide Receiver, 2005-2009)- The
list is complete. But before I get to our number one player from the 2000's lets
recap spots 9-2:
10. Evan Royster
9. Deon Butler
8. Tamba Hali
7. Michael Mauti
6. Zack Mills
5. Daryll Clark
4. Larry Johnson
3. Paul Posluszny
2. Michael Robinson
All of those players have played a significant role
in Penn State's long football history whether it was on the field or off. Our
number one player might have had the greatest impact on the program. Derrick
Williams came to State College as the number one high school recruit in the
country. He had offers from countless schools but an in-home visit and a
promise made by Joe Paterno is what sealed the deal for the Maryland standout.
"I did it because I trusted in
[Paterno]. He promised me I could help turn the program around and leave my
mark there, which I did." Williams left a mark on the school that
will never be forgotten and is still reflected on the school today. Penn State
had gotten its game changer
Prior to Williams signing with
the Nittany Lions in the spring of 2005, the team had come off back-to-back
losing seasons and there was increased pressure on Paterno to retire.
There was a certain buzz however when he and fellow 5-star recruit Justin
King arrived on campus. There was a swagger that the team had and it was felt
throughout the Penn State community. It came at a time where many questioned
Paterno and his ability to coach and still be able to get the top recruits.
Williams was apart of a team that helped silence all the criticism. His 36-yard
touchdown catch against Northwestern lifted the Lions to a victory and
Williams had the town buzzing with his explosive
and electrifying start to the season. Two games later following a
blowout win over unbeaten Minnesota had the Nittany Lions setup for a game against
Ohio State, a game in which Williams would score the games first touchdown.
The Lions would go on to beat the Buckeyes 17-10. He would miss the team's
final five games however after suffering a broken arm against Michigan. His
final three seasons weren't as meaningful as his first but he still made an
impact.
Many Penn State fans feel as if
Williams wasn't used to his full potential having come in with such high
regards. Some might have felt if he would have played anywhere else he could
have won the Heisman because he was that good and had that much talent. That's
not what he wanted. He wasted to make an impact on the program and leave
it in a better place than it was when he arrived, which he certainly
did.
Williams' impact on Penn State is
still felt today. I've seen first hand what he has done. Without Derrick
Williams, Penn State football is not where it is today. Because of Williams and
the impact he had, the Nittany Lions were able to bring in recruits they
wouldn't normally have gotten without a superstar like him. They saw what he
was able to generate in his first year, the atmosphere in Happy Valley was back
at a high level, and the student section was louder and crazier than it had
ever been. You could feel the school changing and regaining
its championship form.
During his tenure at Penn State, Williams was apart of two Big Ten
Championship and 4-straight bowl appearance including two BCS games (the Lions
went 3-1 in those games). He put Penn State football back on the map and is the
reason why they've had the success they have had in recent years. D-Will as Penn State people called him brought a certain swagger to Happy Valley. He brought a different attitude and made it "cool" to play at Penn State because it wasn't the traditional Penn State.
Moral of the story, Derrick Williams saved Penn State football. So from all Penn Staters, we thank you D Will
Career Achievements:
-Freshman All-American (2005)
-All-Big Ten Freshman Team (2005)
-First Team All-Big Ten (2008)
Highlights:
-Williams changes the game against Notre Dame in the White House (my personal favorite moment)
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