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Texas Longhorns sophomore left tackle Connor Williams is now one of five semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top offensive lineman.
After earning Freshman All-America honors last season in starting 12 games, Williams has once again started in every game in which he’s appeared in 2016, with impressive results.
The stats from Texas tell the tale:
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Star running back D’Onta Foreman is averaging 179.2 yards per game in large part because of Williams and the left side of the offensive line, which has also featured Jake McMillon, Patrick Vahe, and Elijah Rodriguez at guard.
According to Horn Sports, Foreman has picked up over 1,000 of his 1,613 yards running to the left, along with nine of his 12 touchdowns.
Half of that yardage has come between the center and guard — one of the targeting points for inside zone or power — but Williams has helped Foreman average 13.63 yard per carry when running outside of him and 6.82 yards per carry when running between Williams and the left guard.
As a result, Pro Football Focus has Williams graded as the No. 3 offensive tackle nationally.
Not bad for a formerly obese kid who got picked on in grade school.