University of Memphis Athletics
DeAngelo Williams Drafted By Carolina Panthers in First Round
Apr 29, 2006 | Football
April 29, 2006
Memphis, Tenn. - University of Memphis tailback DeAngelo Williams was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft today by the Carolina Panthers. He was the 27th pick of the draft, and the third running back chosen.
Williams, a three-time C- USA Offensive Player of the Year, holds the NCAA all-time record in all-purpose yards with 7,573. He also holds the NCAA record in career 100-yard rushing games with 34. Williams rushed for 1,964 yards last season and captured the NCAA season rushing title after averaging 178.55 yards per game.
"Today, I am very proud and happy for DeAngelo and his family," said Coach Tommy West. "He has meant a great deal to the program over the last four years, and I am very happy for him."
A native of Wynne, Ark., Williams is Memphis' first, first-round pick since Jerome Woods was selected as the 28th pick of the draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Since 1951, the Tigers have now had six players drafted in the first round, including Williams (27th; 2006), Woods (28th; 1996), Derrick Burroughs (14th; 1985), Keith Simpson (9th; 1978), Bob Rush (24th; 1977) and Harry Schuh (1965). Derrick Crawford was selected as the 24th pick in the 1984 supplemental draft.
Williams holds all-time Tiger records in rushing yards (6,026), rushing attempts (969), rushing touchdowns (55) and all-purpose yards, as well as multiple season rushing records. His 6,026 career rushing yards also ranks him fourth in NCAA history. This past season, Williams was named an All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the Associated Press and Playboy. He was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, and was also presented the inaugural ARA Sportsmanship Award.
A 2005 Heisman Trophy candidate, Williams rushed for more than 200 yards in nine career games, including a 238-yard effort in the Motor City Bowl. He was named the MVP of the Motor City Bowl after helping Memphis to a 38-31 victory over Akron. Williams was also named the Offensive MVP of the 2006 Senior Bowl.
