Southern comfort - Ricky Williams of the New Orleans Saints - Brief Article

After an injury-marred rookie season, Ricky Williams is finding the Saints a better fit this time around

Midway through a recent Saints practice, running back Ricky Williams approached coach Jim Haslett for a chat. For most players, that hardly would have been earth-shattering news. Haslett might talk to two dozen players during a two-hour workout, but the introverted Williams rarely, if ever, initiates conversation.

"It kind of surprised me," Haslett says. "He's usually so quiet"

Ever so slowly, one of the NFL's biggest nonconformists is conforming.

"I think we're getting to know him better, and he's getting more comfortable with us," Saints general manager Randy Mueller says.

After ranking second on the team in frees last season, Williams has not missed or been late to a meeting, practice or workout during the offseason. Although he prefers anonymity, Williams has been a ready and willing interview subject. And after one recent practice, he signed autographs and posed for photos for more than 30 minutes in suffocating south Louisiana.

"I'm just enjoying it," Williams says. "I'm learning the new system, and it's always fun to learn.... I think I'm probably more comfortable than I was at this time last year. I know what to expect and what's expected from me."

Expectations were unrealistic for Williams as a rookie. Hailed as the player who would rescue the franchise, he suffered in the vortex of the Saints' grim 3-13 season. He was ridiculed in the news media and by teammates about his infamous contract, was hampered by injuries all season and slipped into an isolated funk that left him depressed and despondent.

"The media put him on a pedestal," Haslett says. "That's tough when a guy is 22 years old coming into the NFL, and everybody is looking at him to be the savior."

Owner Tom Benson's offseason housecleaning has revived Williams, giving him a fresh start in his second NFL season. He has a new agent, a new head coach, a new quarterback, a new fullback, and, most important, a new attitude as the Saints begin the Haslett era.

"I feel great," Williams says. "I'm optimistic. I don't feel any pressure. I know if I come to work and work hard every day, I put myself in the best position to win and to be a good football player."

So far, the new and improved Williams has done everything right. He is more mature and professional off the field and more confident and aggressive on it.

The Saints expect a lot from Williams in 2000. Offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy has designed his West Coast offense around Williams' myriad talents. McCarthy plans to put the ball in Williams' hands 20 to 25 times a game. He will play an expanded role in the passing game, often split wide of the hash marks to create mismatches with linebackers. The Saints envision Williams as an every-down back in the mold of Green Bay's Dorsey Levens and Denver's Terrell Davis.

"If Ricky just learns the system and stays healthy, he's going to get his 1,200 yards and 40 catches," Mueller says. "That's built in."

Williams will run behind one of the league's most underrated lines. Bookend tackles Willie Roaf and Kyle Turley are among the league's best Chris Naeole, Tom Ackerman, Wally Williams and Jerry Fontenot are capable veterans for the interior spots.

The unit was hamstrung last season by offensive coordinator Danny Abramowicz's pedestrian scheme. In film evaluation, the new Saints coaches were shocked at the way defensive linemen came clean on running plays. Williams was stuffed for negative yardage on 43 of his 253 carries, a league high for backs with more than 250 attempts. He averaged just 3.5 yards a rush.

McCarthy's scheme will rely heavily on zone blocking up front, allowing Williams to pick his lanes on stretch plays with his uncanny vision and natural timing.

"Ricky has looked great," Roaf says. "He's in great shape right now. If he stays healthy, he is going to have a big year."

The additions of quarterback Jeff Blake and starting receivers Joe Horn and Jake Reed should prevent enemy coordinators from fearlessly stacking eight defenders in the box. Williams also will be aided by 240-pound fullback Terrelle Smith, whom the Saints ranked as the best lead blocker in the 2000 draft. Smith, a former linebacker, should be a significant upgrade over Aaron Craver and former undrafted rookie free agent Marvin Powell.

"I've liked Ricky since I saw him in college," former Bills coach Marv Levy says. "He got nicked up last year and tried to play through it. He has great pride and gutted it out. I admire his ability, and he works his tail off. I expect him to have a big year. I'm pulling for him."

Williams carries the same 230-pound weight he played at last season, but teammates and coaches say he appears lighter on his feet and quicker in and out of his cuts. The elbow, ankle and toe injuries that hampered him have healed.

"I love the new offense," Williams says. "They give me the ball in space, and that's all you really ask for as a running back."

With so many factors leaning in his favor, it shouldn't be difficult for Williams to double his 884-yard rookie rushing total. Agent Leigh Steinberg wisely has advised Williams to concentrate on football this season. With fewer distractions and a fresh start, Williams appears ready to blossom.

"He's a very instinctive football player," running backs coach Dave Atkins says. "His hands and his ability to run routes are so much better than what I thought."

If Williams is healthy and gets the 20 carries a game McCarthy promises, he is a lock to become the Saints' first 1,000-yard rusher since 1989. Moreover, he'll make everyone forget about 1999.

Jeff Duncan covers the Saints for the Times-Picayune and THE SPORTING NEWS.

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