By Keith Taylor
Special to NKyTribune
Stanley “Boom” Williams burst on the scene and had a dynamic first season in Kentucky’s backfield a year ago.
Williams, poised to be the Wildcats’ top running back when the Wildcats open the season on Sept. 5 against Louisiana Lafayette, led the team in rushing with 486 yards and scored five touchdowns. Williams also caught 17 passes for 162 yards had 19 kickoff returns, resulting in a gain of 511 yards.
During fall workouts, Williams was slowed by knee problems, but has bounced back in time for the season opener. Kentucky offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has been impressed by Williams’ progress as of late and said the sophomore running back was close to 100 percent.
“He looks good out there,” the Kentucky offensive coordinator said earlier this week.
Williams has adjusted well to Dawson’s offense and likes the idea of being a versatile running back.
“It’s going to be a lot of new positions that I will have to learn,” he said. “It’s going to be an interesting season, being in new spots and being able to get the ball in some different ways. The main thing, they just want to get me out in space and let me do what I can do with the ball and put the team in the best position to score points.”
Not only has Williams embraced Dawson’s schemes, but the rest of the Wildcats are confident in the system.
“We all believed in coach Dawson when he first came in,” Williams said. “We believe in what he brought from West Virginia and it’s a very good offense. We believe in and he believes in us and we feel like with this offense we have now, and if we execute and do the things we need to do, we’ll be successful and I don’t think there is anybody else that can stop us.”
During the off-season, Williams paid more attention to detail in the film room and even shed a few more pounds in an effort to get into better playing shape.
“After last season (I spent more time in the film room), watching things I can learn from, not to just improve my game, but my also my teammates around me, ” Williams said. “I’ve lost weight from last year and I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m feeling good. It’s going to be a good season and I’m looking forward to it.”
Williams’ biggest lesson learned off the field is realizing the value of being patient and “learning to take what was there.”
“Last year, I tried to hit the big run every time,” Williams said. “But now, I’m just (going with) what’s there and if it opens up, then I will take it. I’m being more patient and worked on all aspects of my game that completes a running back and makes a running back a running back.”
Even though he wasn’t active every day in camp, Williams has noticed a change in the atmosphere.
“It’s going to be an exciting season and we’re looking forward to it,” Williams said. “You can just feel the energy doing around this place. We’re not going to rush the process and we know we have to go through this process of going through camp and it’s going to prepare us for the long season ahead of us. We all have fun and we believe in each other.”
Although confident, Williams also knows what lies ahead in the coming weeks.
“It’s going to be a challenging (season) for us, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
That challenge is getting closer every day.
Keith Taylor is a columnist and senior sports reporter for KyForward.com.