In the last two-plus years, Tank Williams has had to move a few times, as he went from the Tennessee Titans to Minnesota Vikings to his new team, the New England Patriots.
But his moving isn’t done just yet.
A former second-round draft pick out of Stanford University, Williams is a strong safety by trade. But during the Patriots’ just-concluded offseason team activities, Williams at times was moving up to linebacker in third-down and substitution packages, much like Rodney Harrison has done in recent seasons.
While the job of learning a new playbook at safety has been consuming, Williams is excited to add another.
“In my career I’ve been playing back deep, 10 to 12 yards off the line of scrimmage, and up at the line of scrimmage,”
Williams said yesterday. “I just go out where the coaches tell me and play to the best of my ability.”
Williams was thought to have plenty of ability coming out of Stanford. The Titans used their second-round pick in 2002 on the 6-foot-2 Mississippi native, who had been named an All-American after his senior season with the Cardinal.
After starting every game in his first two seasons with Tennessee, Williams tore the ACL in his left leg in the 10th game of the 2004 season. But he returned to full strength in ’05, once again starting all 16 games and recording a career-best 83 tackles.
He parlayed that season into a free-agent contract with the Vikings, but during his first training camp in Minnesota Williams fractured his left kneecap. He spent the year on injured reserve. The Vikings cut and re-signed Williams before last season, and he played in 13 games.
On Friday, Harrison noted that his new teammate is quiet for a man his size, and yesterday Williams’ thoughtfulness was evident when asked about the injuries.
“It was a little frustrating; I can’t say it hasn’t been. But everything I’ve gone through has molded me into the man I am today,”
he said.
Though New England gave him what amounts to a one-year, “prove-it”
deal, Williams is grateful for the chance he’s been afforded with the Patriots.
“There’s good coaches here, good players and I’m going to try to make the most of this opportunity,”
he said. “I took the opportunity to come here (for a visit) and listen to what the coaches had to say and I liked what I heard. They offered the best opportunity to get on the field and I just want to put myself in position to get back on track.”
Williams has been studying as much as possible since signing with New England, and takes full advantage of asking questions of his teammates. Harrison was spotted tutoring him on the sidelines over the weekend, and Williams is eager to soak in whatever Harrison offers.
“Everyone knows how great of a player he is and how knowledgeable,”
Williams said of the 15-year veteran. “I talk to Rodney, Tedy [Bruschi], all of the guys to get as much knowledge as I can.”
His given name is Clevan, but as a baby, Williams drank so much milk that his sister commented to their mother that she should get him a tank of milk instead of just a bottle. The nickname stuck.
And if Williams can get back to hitting like a tank, all the better for the Patriots.
Thomas gets comfortable
Linebacker Adalius Thomas said everything is a little bit easier with a year of experience in the Pats’ system under his belt. “Your head isn’t swimming as bad. … A year in the same system always helps you be more comfortable, and whenever you’re more comfortable, you react faster, you can play faster, and you can help the other guys also,” he said.
Quick kicks
Yesterday’s on-field work was shortened to 45 minutes and amounted to a walk-through : the players were in shorts and jerseys, but no helmets. The defense stayed with the defense and the offense with the offense . … Wes Welker, who had not taken part in the first two days of on-field work, was present yesterday; tight end David Thomas was also back after not being on the field Saturday.
At the golf course today
The entire Patriots roster will be at The International Country Club in Bolton, Mass., today for the organization’s 11th annual Charitable Foundation golf tournament. Tom Brady will defend his title in the long-drive contest. Harrison won in 2006.
