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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories District board says it won't levy maximum tax rate after all Ashland gets new city parks director Man who tried to blow up DA's office faces 15 years in prison All evacuation advisories lifted for Rogue River Drive fire Jackson County plans low-cost pet vaccination clinic Crime, Courts and Emergency Services All evacuation advisories lifted for Rogue River Drive fire Emergency Services Fire levels historic Phoenix house Medford rainfall hits record, halts fire Short, masked man with a sickle robs Mini Pet Mart Politics and Elections Commissioner Skundrick plans final four town hall meetings Medford eyes electronic sign visual pollution Medford council veterans plan exit Medical marijuana patients run for council seat Former colleagues laud Atiyeh's 'practical' leadership Education Middle schoolers get a taste of college living Abraham Lincoln Elementary parents raise money for new playground State treasurer stumps for educational endowment measure Free meals program expands in Grants Pass Migrant student numbers soar Environment Stressed but off life support Rogue watershed councils plan to merge West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes collected near Central Point State news Nation - World Obituaries Michael Francis Cole Jr. Homer K. 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The 5-foot-9, 168-pound freshman is trying to prove that his athleticism and speed warranted a grander stage. A month before signing day, Nevada and New Mexico State were Williams’ top suitors. That changed when Oregon State assistant Chris Brasfield made a surprise visit to the two-star cornerback’s Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas. “My coach called me into the office and I see Coach Brasfield from Oregon State,” Williams recalled Monday, a week into his campaign to contribute his first year in Corvallis. “I was like, ‘OK, that’s nice.’ It was just randomly out of nowhere.” Williams did his research before committing to the Beavers. He learned that OSU, a program known for mining gems out of Texas’ fertile fields, appreciates the interception. The Beavers tied for sixth nationally with 19 picks in 2013. Early in fall camp, Williams and OSU are proving an ideal match. The diminutive defensive back recorded three interceptions in drills last week. During Friday’s team period, he snuck in front of wide receiver Rahmel Dockery to nab a Brent VanderVeen pass. Defenders erupted in cheers on the sideline as Williams showed off the football to a handful of veterans. “We’ve definitely noticed him,” defensive coordinator Mark Banker said. “We recruited him No. 1 knowing he had speed, he had great football instincts. What’s great now is we’re seeing those things happen.” Said cornerback Steven Nelson: “He’s phenomenal coming in as a freshman and making plays. He’s opened some eyes already.” Williams is still wading through the defense’s complexities. His first days in practice, he hasn’t always understood the various schemes. So he leans on instincts, streaming toward the ball when all else fails. Such improvisation, of course, is the foundation of a Pac-12 playmaker. Banker is eager to see how Williams performs when he knows his reads. At this point, the former track standout seems a strong candidate to play this season. With Dashon Hunt sidelined with a tweaked hamstring, Williams has started building chemistry with the first and second strings. He could find a niche on special teams or in the Beavers’ nickel package. “Is he ready for the Pac-12? We’ll see,” Banker said. “Through the course of the week, we’ll see some stuff out of him because he hasn’t played tired yet. He hasn’t been hurt yet. So we’ll see all of that stuff.” Saturday’s scrimmage should serve as an evaluation period. Coaches will monitor Williams’ composure in the defense, whether he turns quickness and instincts into consistent production. Last winter, Williams appeared destined for Nevada or New Mexico State. Today, he could become the rare freshman to log time in one of college football’s elite conferences. Williams, who tallied 10 interceptions his senior year at Shoemaker, hasn’t forgotten how it felt to wait for his first major offer. “I have a chip on my shoulder,” Williams said. “I’m trying to prove that everybody that slept on me was wrong.” By Connor Letourneau The Oregonian MailTribune.com By Connor Letourneau The Oregonian Posted Aug. 12, 2014 @ 7:00 pm » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. fantasy football Bortles Impresses Again in 2nd Preseason Game Aug. 14, 2014 at 10:28 pm Fantasy Owners Should Steer Clear of Foster Aug. 14, 2014 at 9:10 pm Lee's Instant Fantasy Reaction Aug. 14, 2014 at 8:57 pm West Represents Great Value in Fantasy Drafts Aug. 14, 2014 at 8:55 pm Martin Won't Be a Reliable Fantasy RB Aug. 14, 2014 at 8:07 pm Lynch's Price Tag Makes Him Risky for Fantasy Aug. 14, 2014 at 7:34 pm calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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