Malcolm Williams, Three Others to Miss Texas Football Season

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 4, 2011 3:56 PM CDT in Texas Longhorns Football

Texas senior wide receiver Malcolm Williams will not play football his senior season in order to focus on resolving family issues, head coach Mack Brown said Thursday at this annual State of the Program press conference on reporting day for his football team.

In addition, linebacker Patrick Nkwopara and wide receiver Brock Fitzhenry decided to give up football to focus on earning their respective degrees, while tight end Trey Graham, who injured his ACL in fall practice last season.

The big loss, however, is Williams, who was scheduled to be the team's only senior receiver this fall, but missed spring and summer workouts due to those aforementioned issues and made the decision Thursday morning that to forego his final season of eligibility.

Williams was on tap to play some at H-back and inside receiver this year to take advantage of his speed and blocking ability and his departure will leave the Longhorns thinner at that position. The biggest blow for Texas in regards to losing Williams will be his work on special teams, where he was a standout as the lead blocker on kickoffs and gunner on punts.

The decision not to play this season marks the final chapter in what looked to be a promising career after the big wideouts huge performance against Texas Tech in 2008. Unfortunately for Williams and Texas fans, inconsistency kept him from cracking the rotation the following season and when he finally did receive playing time, it was marred by his inability to secure passes.

With Fitzhenry and Williams giving up football, along with the transfer of Greg Timmons and decision by Marquise Goodwin to pursue track this fall, the Longhorns now have much less depth at the wide receiver position than anticipated.

True freshman Jaxon Shipley tore up summer workouts and was also expected to get a shot at major playing time, but all the attrition means that other players need to step up into larger roles.

Those players include DeSean Hales, Chris Jones, John Harris, Darius White, and possibly even walk-on Patrick McNamara, who recorded the only receiving touchdown of the spring game and used his size to effectively shield smaller defenders.

Mack Brown also mentioned during the press conference that the team may have to move a player over from defense to fill the void. Commence speculation about that.

But before that, best of luck to Malcolm Williams and the two other players who gave up football. Once Longhorns, always Longhorns.

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Comments

Damn that sucks

Best of luck to Malcolm in whatever comes next for him. I hope GG or whoever ends up being our quarterback has had enough time with everyone to have timing down. Looks too be another long season. Although I sincerely hope I’m wrong about that

by Frazier90 on Aug 4, 2011 4:03 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks, Big Roy. Good stuff

Myk. Thompson to offense, maybe? Can’t think of anyone else it would make sense to move.

I’d say it means no redshirt for McFarland, and “it’s time to step up to the big boys table, Darius Terrell and Dom Jones and Matthews.” Maybe John Harris and Chris Jones as well.

by edsp on Aug 4, 2011 4:06 PM CDT reply actions

Did you see the THSCA All-Star football game, edsp?

In the second half, I thought Myk. Thompson sure looked like the second coming of Ramonce Taylor…the good part, not the five pounds of adios in the backseat.

by whills on Aug 4, 2011 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't believe it was shown in Tennessee

I miss me some Ramonce. He was a unique player, one the old staff managed to avoid finding a replacement for. But I strongly suspect we will unleash a bunch of weapons in all shapes and sizes beginning in four or five weeks.

We may be a high wire act at times, but the days of meet the new game plan, same as the one Texas used last year, are over. Praise be.

by edsp on Aug 4, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I want to start a Myk Thompson to Offense BON Campaign

The guy has to play on offense! They need to have him focus on being an inside receiver and Wildcat QB. He and DJ Monroe will make some great specialty packages. Harsin has said in interviews he wants to be able to run some triple option. Take a page out of Rich Rod’s playbook and stick Myk Thompson at QB with Fozzy and DJ in a split back formation.

by IAMLOVELLPINKNEY on Aug 4, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

I think I read somewhere today that the staff is looking to switch one of our defensive players to offense,

Or at least give someone playing time on offense. They might have just been talking about Chet Moss at FB though.

by mr.manager on Aug 4, 2011 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

That would have been at the end of this here post.

Mack meant switching a defensive player to offense to play receiver.

Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 4, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions

very disappointed to hear about Williams

really hope he gets his degree

by miketag on Aug 4, 2011 4:11 PM CDT reply actions

Patrick N. was supposedly Muschamp's

personal recruit as he viewed him as the prototypical linebacker in the Big Southwest. Guess that didn’t pan out. Muschamp or Nkwopara that is.

Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.

by 2Cor12:9 on Aug 4, 2011 4:18 PM CDT reply actions

Sure did not.

Not a scholarship used particularly well.

Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 4, 2011 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I appreciate their service

But scholarships are for players that will be on the field, not the bench.

Don't be such a baby.

by Wrangler86 on Aug 4, 2011 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions

No chance to sit out and play next year?

If Malcolm has already redshirted does that mean the only possibility to come back would be a medical redshirt? What a shame.

by FW Mike on Aug 4, 2011 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

Regarding the three non MW losses

It’s about time to offer Kendall Sanders and Colin Blake, no? And as we lose more and more receivers, the stars seem to be aligning for Dom Wheeler to somehow pull out a Texas offer by the end of the season.

Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90

by GoHornsGo90 on Aug 4, 2011 5:27 PM CDT reply actions

Would he switch?

Was he dying to get a Texas offer?

What about Justin Thomas? He may need a closer look as well

by Hobbes881 on Aug 4, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sure if these losses impact long-term picture too much.

These are guys that the coaches were planning on replacing in the 2012 class anyway.

Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 4, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Losing a senior WR isn't a big recruiting change

Would love to see Darius White get a little bigger and fill MW’s shoes. We have some other talent at WR and it shouldn’t be too bad. Sure miss Dan Buckner too.

Don't be such a baby.

by Wrangler86 on Aug 4, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, man. I read, "True freshman Jaxon Shipley tore...." and couldn't continue.

Took a minute to read the, “….up summer workouts.” Whew. Don’t want that guy to get hurt like his older bro.

by WreckerTex on Aug 4, 2011 5:53 PM CDT reply actions

Shipley's a stud

From a Tech point of view, be nice to see him redshirted…..for several seasons.
From all reports he has older brother’s athletic DNA and work ethic too.

by Tn Raider on Aug 5, 2011 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions

What a bummer

I won’t pretend what family issues Malcolm Williams is having, but it’s a darn shame he can’t play this year. With a strong season, he definitely could have had a shot at the NFL because he has the athletic potential that NFL teams have a hard time resisting.

by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 4, 2011 6:03 PM CDT reply actions

On the bright side...

Gets us closer to the magic number for next year…

by TowerPower on Aug 4, 2011 6:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

M Williams

He was pretty spotty for his amount of playing time. Sure, I wish we had on the field, but I think we have talent and young guns to cover this.

Don't be such a baby.

by Wrangler86 on Aug 4, 2011 6:15 PM CDT reply actions

I realize it was "just" spring game

But in person, McNamara really impressed me. Seriously looking forward to seeing what he can do on the field.

by bbatsell on Aug 4, 2011 6:26 PM CDT reply actions

Best of luck to MW

I really hope Coach Wyatt can put forth a more productive WR corps than we saw in 2010. That’s a fairly low bar.

QB Garrett Gilbert was the Beavis & Butthead episode of the 2010 college football season. Even when things were going well there was always one bad decision that meant he wasn’t going to score.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/1070636.html

by burntorangehorn on Aug 4, 2011 8:36 PM CDT reply actions

I was actually more disappointed with the loss of Fitzhenry

He had decent hands when I saw him in the practices last year. Malcolm dropped too many passes to be consistent.

TEXAS FIGHT

by Darklust on Aug 4, 2011 8:56 PM CDT reply actions

slow down champ

by vy til i die on Aug 4, 2011 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

gahgree

"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo

by run Bevo run on Aug 5, 2011 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Per InsideTexas

Chet Moss is now a Fullback…instead of LB. Wow.

Don't be such a baby.

by Wrangler86 on Aug 4, 2011 9:10 PM CDT reply actions

Wait, what?

"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo

by run Bevo run on Aug 4, 2011 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, Mack announced that move today.

Wanted to shore up depth at the position. Linebacker is the deepest on the team.

Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 4, 2011 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions

NFL?

Williams going to try free agency in the NFL? A little late for that but a team might give him a chance.

by Ryan2907 on Aug 4, 2011 9:18 PM CDT reply actions

If you mean Roy Williams

he has signed with the Bears, hoping that being reunited with Mike Martz will resurrect his career.

Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 4, 2011 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm sure he meant Malcolm

But I just don’t see an opportunity out there for him at WR. And I can’t imagine a team would take a flyer on him as a special teams only guy. I wish him well in his future. I just doubt it’s in the NFL. I hope I’m wrong.

by GoHorns on Aug 4, 2011 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Think He Would Have to Request Supplemental NFL Draft ala Pryor

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Aug 5, 2011 7:22 AM CDT up reply actions

And he wouldn't qualify.

He’d have to prove some reason he should be eligible for it, which would be loss of eligibility or something like that.

by burntorangehorn on Aug 5, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Malcolm Williams needs to take care of his family. It’s a long shot right now, but I hope Malcolm makes a NFL team.

Chet to fullback is interesting. When was the last time Texas was talented and deep at a position?

Fitzhenry and Nkwopara were expected. Trey Graham, who knows what he can do when healthy? Texas has so many TEs, I’m not sure if I’d give Graham the opportunity. If Graham isn’t 100 % next year, Texas should nudge him out the door in my opinion.

Expect more attrition, lazy evaluations litter the team. I expect a big, SEC big, class in 2013.

billfromlaketravis (Austin Pace)

Please follow me on Twitter @BFLT_at_BON

by billfromlaketravis on Aug 4, 2011 10:26 PM CDT reply actions

Chet to fullback is interesting. When was the last time Texas was talented and deep and well-coached at a position?

Fixed it for you. Texas has been talented and deep at quite a few positions in recent years, but not necessarily well-coached.

by burntorangehorn on Aug 5, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Bill -- I agree about 2013. I'll raise you, though, and predict 23-24 in the 2012 signing class

Experts at this stuff, like Scipio and JS and Big Roy, have written repeatedly that under performing, under contributing upperclassmen will either have to step up this fall or they’ll be stepping out of the program before next August. I concur.

Somebody on another site listed more than a dozen players who could fit that description . . . If half of those players are gone a year from now, our signing class for 2012 can be 21, 22. That’s without academic or injury attrition, which surely will take another player or off the roster.

by edsp on Aug 4, 2011 11:07 PM CDT reply actions

I wonder if Texas needs to take another WR in 2012. I would say that they do. DGB or Agholor would definitely work.

At ATH, I think Brooks is in the lead because he already has an offer, but I’d rather Texas pursue Corey Coleman.

I’m starting to think there’s something that might be holding up Texas and Colin Blake. There’s some noise that Blake is a little stiff. Fluid hips is a recurring theme in Akina’s DB evaluations.

In my opinion, Texas will take another OT in 2012. If the staff whiffs on Andrus Peat, I think Tre’von Armstead gets an offer.

There might be a need for another TE this year. Texas should check with Denton Guyer Dominic Ramacher. Whitewright’s Gerron Ballard is another one to watch.

2013 is a very, very deep class. I don’t think Texas should take any reaches in 2012 class with so much talent looming. I think Colin Blake or Corey Coleman are the most likely candidates for the next Texas offer.

billfromlaketravis (Austin Pace)

Please follow me on Twitter @BFLT_at_BON

by billfromlaketravis on Aug 5, 2011 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Best of luck to these Longhorns

With the creativeness of our young coordinators, I would not be surprised to see players being used in positions, packages, and ways that will shock us.

bltf: “I expect a big, SEC big, class in 2013.”

I hope it is BIG in more ways than just quantity. We need BIG bodies…BIG Playmakers..and kids with a BIG sense of pride. 2011 and especially 2012’s class shows great improvement and promise in achieving that…2013 could be jackpot year for us with all the size and talent out there.

We need a mean streak. It’s unacceptable for Texas to be able to be labeled as soft. I think Searels, Davis, and Bennie will be the three coaches that can instill that type of mentality. These players need to understand it is ok to be a nice respectable young man, and turn into a BMF on the football field. BIG NASTY KILLER INSTINCT. Kenny V. knows what I mean.

by Hookem Up on Aug 4, 2011 11:12 PM CDT reply actions

Kenny V is a loose cannon

He obviously has talent, but there’s a reason he’s sitting behind Gideon and Scott, despite the fact that neither of those two is a spectacular talent.

by burntorangehorn on Aug 5, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions