The Carolina Panthers, in 2006, made their choice for their 1st draft pick. DeAngelo Williams, Running Back, out of Memphis University. I remember that day, and my very first reaction was, "Huh, who is this dude who favors Steve Smith?" But I think it was a great choice to draft this guy, and I will explain later.
In 2002, DeAngelo was recruited by Memphis. In his Freshman year he wasn't too good, even though he rushed for 600 yards, he only scored 5 touchdowns. But in his last 3 years of college he made sure that he was going to be the starter for the rest of the way. 2004 was his most noticeable year. With more than 20 touchdowns and almost 2,000 yards. He broke NCAA records. He had 34 straight games with more than 100 yards rushing. He ranks 4th with the most rushing yards in the NCAA. And the most all-purpose yards in the NCAA. He also led his team to victory in the Motor City Bowl by rushing for over 200 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Surprisingly before the draft, his ranking dropped rather a lot. But the Carolina Panthers saw something in him and took him in the first round.
(memphisflyer.com)
In the 2006 and 2007 years, DeAngelo didn't get a good chance to showcase his talents. Due to being a backup to RB Deshaun Foster. Foster was released in 2008, and it officially made Williams the starter. In the 2008 Draft, Jonathon Stewart from Oregon went to the Panthers. Then Williams has a new partner. And what a combination these two have been. But in 2008, even with split carries Williams still had 18 touchdowns and was hard to bring down. In 2009 when Williams was injured in the last 3 games of the season. Then last year, Panther fans were disappointed when Williams was injured in Week Six. He was out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
(fantasyknuckleheads.com)
The new Panther staff was unsure whether they wanted to keep Williams with two years of being injured. They did sign him and so far has been doing good and has an opportunity at a young age to become a future Hall of Famer.
