War Room analysis
The 2006 class of defensive ends is good, but Williams' dominance as a pass rusher could land him in the top half of the first round. As a junior, Williams had 55 tackles -- including 20 for a loss and 13 sacks -- and 15 quarterback hurries. On special teams, Williams can force fumbles on returns and block extra-point and field-goal tries. Williams is bigger than the top senior end, Mathias Kiwanuka, but is not as technically sound. Regardless, Williams' size and playmaking ability surely will land him in the first round.
News
Williams will give up his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft after a season in which he led the Atlantic Coast Conference in sacks.
The decision on Jan. 3 had been expected. Some draft analysts project him as a possible top-10 pick.
"I really have to face the fact that I'm leaving a great family here," Williams said during a news conference attended by coach Chuck Amato. "I'm going to be in the real world now."
Williams had two sacks to help the Wolfpack beat South Florida 14-0 last week in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, giving him a school-record 26 for his career. He made 13 sacks this season as a junior and finished his career with 55 1/2 tackles for loss -- both N.C. State records.
"As a parent and as a coach, you always hate to see an athlete leave before they get an education," Amato said. "That being said, I 100 percent support this young man's decision."
--Associated Press
