Collegiate Times

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Although not as publicized as Tech's quarterback situation, the Hokies are also trying to figure out what to do with their plethora of tailbacks.

Ryan Williams, a true freshman out of Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, thought he would be a part of that offense from the get-go. However, head coach Frank Beamer announced Sept. 16, Williams has been redshirted for this year.

Running backs coach Billy Hite helped make the decision.

"There are three backs that are ahead of him right now," Hite said. "Obviously with the ball in his arm, he could have played for us this year. It's all of the other things we ask our tailbacks to do; he just wasn't quite ready. And once we got to the fourth week, I didn't want to waste a year."

Williams, who committed to the Hokies on Jan. 5 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, took the news as a bit of a shock.

"I'm surprised," he said. "That's probably the number one feeling I have right now, just being surprised. It's not like I'm happy or unhappy. Being redshirted, I guess, is kind of not what the plan was going to be. But, you know, I'm still happy regardless of what's going on because I'm here, I'm having fun and I'm learning."

Hite said that he offered up the option of keeping Williams active, but he felt selfish as a coach in doing so.

"I really left the decision up to him," Hite said. "And I told him, you know, if you feel like you want to play and you might only get five or six plays a game, then we'll go ahead and do that. But I think it's wasting you. And he came in a week ago and he told me, 'You know, I think what's best for me and our football team is for me to redshirt.'"

Williams, however, told a slightly different story. He remembered Hite mentioning the idea of him staying on.

"The first three games I didn't see those snaps, so I didn't really feel like there was any need for me to keep on dressing and being on the sidelines, not doing anything," Williams said. "I could understand if I was getting those snaps; knowing my abilities and what I can do on the field, I feel like those snaps would increase. But I didn't see them, so that was my main part of redshirting."

In high school, Williams rushed for 1,574 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior at Stonewall Jackson. He missed three games in his senior season, but still had seven touchdowns and gained 640 yards.

The 5'10", 200-pound back was a nationally-prized recruit. Williams was ranked as the No. 26 overall player in the country by ESPN.com and the No. 3 running back by Rivals.

Coming to an ACC school and playing right away, however, is difficult even for the most hyped of prospects. Many wait one or two years before they can become a regular contributor.

Hite recognizes Williams' potential and is happy that he is a part of the team.

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