Going vertical: wide receiver has become land of the giants. Everywhere you look, big, fast and skilled wideouts are creating matchup nightmares—and redefining the position

Sporting News, The, Sept 22, 2003 by Kyle Veltrop

Reggie Williams, Pitt coordinator J.D. Brookhart doesn't get to watch the Williamses regularly, but when he sees Reggie on those late-night Pac-10 games ... "It's hard to take your eyes off him," Brookhart says. "He's so fluid, so graceful for being such a big, big player. What an incredible mismatch he is." Reggie benefits from playing for Washington, a team that is wedded to the pass and often is in shootouts. But he would produce in any offense.

Roy Williams, The knock on Roy before this season was that he got by on talent alone. That has changed. "I talked to some coaches down there," says Todd McShay of The War Room, "and for the first time in his career, he took his offseason work seriously, He was a guy who'd rather play pickup basketball than work in the weight room. But now that his work ethic has improved, look for his durability to improve. To me, he's the best playmaker in college football, if he had come out last year, he would have been the best wide receiver available. I would have taken him over Charles Rogers or Andre Johnson."

The verdict: Roy Williams gets the nod. He is the most electric player in college, and he probably will have the most appeal to NFL teams. But, remember, he has a year on Reggie Williams and two on Mike Williams when it comes to development.

Oh, and have you heard of Oregon's emerging standout Demetrius Williams?--K.V.

E-mail associate editor Kyle Veltrop at kveltrop@sportingnews.com.