David Williams believes his opportunity has come.
The junior running back entered South Carolina as one of the most highly regarded prep running backs in the country after rushing for 4,000 yards in his final two years at Imhotep Charter High School in Philadelphia.
Williams playing time has been limited in his first two seasons with the Gamecocks, however, as he had to play behind Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds.
But as this year's most experienced running back, it appears he will be called on to shoulder the bulk of USC’s rushing attack.
“What I love about the offense is it spreads the defense out and it sets a tempo where the defense gets worn down,” said Williams. “It puts you in a position to be one-on-one with defenders.
“It shows all my assets, catching the ball out of the backfield within space and running in between tackles also.”
While the 6-1, 222-pound junior is preparing to take over the starting running back slot, Carolina coach Will Muschamp wants to see more from Williams – a lot more.
“Just everyday consistency,” Muschamp said of his desire for Williams play. “The guy has got some ability, but it’s hard when you have to challenge someone every single day, every single practice and every meeting. It’s tiring for coaches.
“I asked him the other day ‘what have you accomplished here?’”
Muschamp says Williams did not give an answer to that question.
He has rushed for 555 yards and two touchdowns for the Gamecocks. He has also 18 career pass receptions for 192 yards.
Despite Muschamp’s critique, Williams is comfortable with the offense and convinced he has what it takes to lead the rushing attack.
There is little experience behind Williams as redshirt freshman A.J. Turner and former walk-ons Rod Talley and Darius Paulk have been sharing time at the position during the first week of practice.
Freshman Rico Dowdle, from Asheville, is expected to get an opportunity for playing time when first-year players begin practicing with the team.
“I feel like I am the guy here and I’m just going to have more opportunities to show I am that guy,” said Williams. “Last year I was getting five to six carries.
“We’re in the SEC. People expect you to rush for 100 yards or score every time you carry the ball. I think, being in the SEC, you need 20 to 25 carries.”
Williams credits running back coach Bobby Bentley with much of his development as he says the former Byrnes High School coach has brought a different energy to the position.
“Coach Bentley says he works for me, doing anything he can do to make me a better back,” said Williams. “He sits down. He breaks down film. He figures out what I need to work on and incorporates it into practice to make me a better player.”
Williams believes the change of coaching staffs has given him a new lease on life and restored his confidence as the Gamecocks enter the season.
“I think it was tough but, at times, it messed with my confidence because we would practice all week,” said Williams. “They tell you to be ready. You’re going to play a lot and then I get the ball three to four times.
“It would be like, any little thing I’d do. If I mess up anything you’re coming out. Sometimes you need a change instead of doing the same thing over and over. I embraced change when I found out what was happening.”
