Williams leaving USC for NFL draft

THE KOD

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LOS ANGELES -- Southern California sophomore receiver Mike Williams will enter the NFL draft, the first player to take advantage of the court ruling in the Maurice Clarett case.

"Mike made his decision that he wants to go to the NFL," USC coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday. "We're disappointed that we're losing him because he's had a terrific two years for us. ...

Several sources told ESPN.com last week that Williams, who is expected to join receivers Larry Fitzgerald of Pittsburgh and Roy Williams of Texas as a first-round pick, had decided to forego his remaining two seasons of college eligibility. He had 1,226 receiving yards and 16 touchdown receptions last season.

"He'll be a high pick. There's no question about it," said Gil Brandt, the NFL's chief scouting consultant.

Williams, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound wide receiver, indicated after USC beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl that he planned to remain in school.

Clarett, a star Ohio State running back, went to court to challenge an NFL rule preventing players less than three years out of high school from entering the draft. Williams, 20, is actually 3? months younger than Clarett.

Because he is not yet three years removed from his high school class graduation date, Williams would not have been eligible under the NFL's former rules. Williams said after the Clarett ruling that he had no intention of leaving the Trojans.
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Scott4USC

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Pete Carroll quotes...

"Mike has made the decision that he wants to go to the NFL," said Carroll, who is out of town. "We're disappointed to see him go, but we wish him the best of luck and will be rooting for him. Mike had a terrific two years with us and we're anxious to watch him in the NFL.

"We gave Mike all the information we could to help him make this decision. We believe he might be missing out on a tremendous financial opportunity by not staying another year, but he wants to go play in the NFL now. He knows all the ends of this decision.

"Our team is well-prepared for his leaving. After all, last year we lost a Heisman Trophy winner, the best defensive player in college football, a group of real good running backs and both cornerbacks, and we still won the national championship. So we understand how to handle personnel losses and move on. This presents a great opportunity for some of our other players to step to the front now. They'll take this challenge on with great excitement. It'll be fun to see who steps up."

Mike Williams quotes.....

Said Williams, who is in Florida: "I believe this is the right time for me to go to the NFL. Nothing is guaranteed in life and opportunities like this don't always come. I see this as my opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

"It was a tough decision because I have so much love and respect for USC and my teammates and coaches. I thank them for two of the best years of my life and wish them all the best as they go after another national championship in 2004.

"But it was time to make a decision that was in my best interest. I realize there are a lot of pluses and minuses to this decision. I realize it's a decision that you can argue either way. I received a lot of valuable input from so many people. But it ultimately came down to me making my own decision and doing what's best for me.

"This was not a decision based on money. Playing in the NFL has always been a dream of mine. The opportunity is there now to pursue that dream. So now I have begun training diligently here in Florida to take that next step."

In his 2-year career, Williams had 176 receptions for 2,579 yards and a USC record 30 touchdowns. He had 12 100-yard receiving games in his career. He averaged a touchdown every 6.1 times he touched the ball. As a sophomore last season, he had 95 catches for 1,314 yards (his second consecutive 1,000-yard season) and a USC record 16 TDs.
 

THE KOD

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Scott4USC said:
Mike Williams quotes.....

Said Williams, who is in Florida: I believe this is the right time for me to go to the NFL since I am flunking out of USC anyways.

Nothing is guaranteed in life and opportunities like this don't always come around. I am going to get me some NFL and make me some mf money homes.

I see this as my opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

I can always return to get my degree after football is over
NOT
 

bbk

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They still have to play CAL SO THAT ALONE STOPS THEM FROM WINNING A NC ;) ;)
 

THE KOD

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It was reported that Williams was contrite at his exit interview from USC.

Well I just couldn't cut the class work at USC. Too much drinking and partys I guess. Damn I am going to miss the USC beaver.

But now I will do what I was born to do and that's make millions
in the NFL.

My spirit will always be at USC and I wish them good luck in
2005 as they will need it without me.
 

THE KOD

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"If he didn't love being at USC, he'd go to the NFL. That's why it's not an easy decision. USC is a good marriage for him. "

Looks like Williams is going through divorce proceedings and
USC will be left with only half a national championship again in
2005.

It was reported when Pete Carroll heard that Williams was
entering the NFL draft he screamed FAWK WILLIAMS THAT DUMB ASS JOCK......
 

Devil Dog

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Personal Attack

Personal Attack

I have not been a member at this site for very long but have read the very informative insights of many good cappers here and have learned many things form many people about the great sport of football. Thanks to all.
Mike Williams absolutley did the right thing going into the draft as he will probably go in the first 5 picks. Some of these athletes are not the sharpest knives in class room cutlery either in ability or effort and I know it takes tremendous effort and perseverance to play college football and to go to class full time; I also know players get exta help with their studies[ as they should] under NCAA guidlines and most colleges adhere to the rules
[most of the time IMO]. I did not get my degree till I was 38 yrs old; as a young man I could have never'' made the grade" in school as my passion was else where [although I still struggle in book work to keep my skills current] I hope Mike Williams has a fine career in the NFL and gets his degree sometime in the future.
I do not know what his mother's marital status was at the time of his birth but even if it was single mother, so what? He had no control of that and I must say some of the finest ladies I have ever met were a little bit on the shady side.
USC will not miss a beat with his departure and as we all know they are the team to beat in the 2004 season.
I hope I have not offended anyone here as most of you are probably good people even if some rub people the wrong way. Sorry about the rambling but I am on my 5th Corona.
Spring football starts soon yesssssssssss.
Best Wishes
Devil Dog
"There was always someone who was smarter than me.
There was always someone who was more talented than me.
There was always someone who was bigger, faster and stronger than me. But...
There was never anyone who could out work me!
Woody Hayes
 

THE KOD

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Devil Dog

Good post. Your not JimmyBuff are you ? I hope not. It would
be just like Scott4USC to send in himself.

I have kind of a running feud going with Scott4USC.

we have to gang up on him as he tends to wear us out by
posting four pages explaining to us why USC is #1 in every category on earth. Even on the off season he keeps it up.

FIGHT ON !


KOD
 
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