Retrospective Thoughts on the career of Marshawn Williams

The news that Marshawn Williams will have to end his football career is absolutely disheartening.

I had an opportunity when he first committed to get a full game video of Marshawn going against Ricky Walker (who played middle linebacker for Bethel that game to try and counteract Marshawn.) Marshawn's quick feet in the hole coupled with his power were spectacular- better than any running back recruit that had seriously considered Virginia Tech going back to Ryan Williams. Prior to his first ACL tear, I was absolutely convinced that Marshawn would become an elite player at Virginia Tech and would have an NFL career.

What we saw at Virginia Tech was merely a shell of his former self, even during his freshman year. He never recovered his lateral movement following his first injury. I don't know if seemingly very fast timeline he return from each injury factored into his ultimate decision to cut his career short, but it could not have helped.

Unfortunately, because Williams did not put up huge numbers as a Hokie, his career will likely not receive much fanfare going forward and that is unfortunate. Williams gave every bit of effort that he could have given to get every inch out of every carry that his battered knee could produce. Essentially running on one leg, every single carry for Marshawn caused your pulse rate to rise as a fan because you knew his legs would churn and churn and get every single possible foot of gridiron. I'd imagine that if you had an opportunity to poll opposing ACC defenders, they would affirm that Marshawn Williams left an impression on them.

Here is hoping that he uses his degree to have tremendous professional success, and that any chronic effects to his knees will be minimal.