Brandon Williams Defying The Odds

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Okay so the article mentions the stenosis as the reason he quit football before. But what's the deal with that? Is it still a concern? Does it put him at greater risk of injury? Is it a degenerative condition that could threaten the length of his would-be career? Or is he 100% healthy and okay to play?

I'm pulling as hard for this guy as anyone but what's the outlook on that?

He was medically cleared at his regional combine and he's 100% healthy.

The only setback he could have is if the stenosis starts acting up due to hits.

[Riverboat Ron]

Williams runs some smooth routes. During fanfest I was amazed how he was able to find the open spot on the field, given it was against 2nd and 3rd stringers, but seeing him in person made me realize how much potential he has if he can stay healthy. 

[Jakob]

Gotta see how the man blocks before I think he beats out barnidge. He already has better hands and speed though.

PS at the minimum. But Hopefully 53.

I didn't know barnidge could beat out a player on a different team.

[Proudiddy]

I think this is an omen that he is already a lock for the final 53.

 

I'm excited about his potential, and that great backstory just adds to the reasons to pull for him.

[Frank Hollywood]

I think you mean Hartsock. Who has done less than squat through his 9 year career btw.

Can't wait to see Williams in real game action.

Lol, I did mean hartstock. He's been a good blocking tight end, never a receiver. I think we keep brockel since he can play both positions, and IF Brandon Williams can block nearly as good as hartstock hell win the job. If not, we will try to stash him on the PS. Small chance all three TE's make the team. He'll I could see brockel and hartstock cut and two undrafted FA's taking their spots. (Zordich and Williams)

Too many scenarios. I can't wait for preseason.

[Frank Hollywood]

Also unrelated, it pisses me off to no end that the iPhone autocorrects hell to he'll every single damn time and he'll to hell every single damn time. It knows which word I plan to use and goes with the other one. Phone be trollin yo.

[rayzor]

Okay so the article mentions the stenosis as the reason he quit football before. But what's the deal with that? Is it still a concern? Does it put him at greater risk of injury? Is it a degenerative condition that could threaten the length of his would-be career? Or is he 100% healthy and okay to play?

 

I'm pulling as hard for this guy as anyone but what's the outlook on that?

 

Williams suffered an injury from a collision during a spring game. It led to the discovery that Williams was suffering from stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal exacerbated by a bulging disc and bruised spine.

On the advice of Oregon’s medical staff, he gave up football and didn’t play during his senior year.

.

.

.

Williams’ girlfriend was working at a Portland gym owned by former NFL defensive lineman Sam Adams, a first-round pick by Seattle who spent 14 years in the NFL.

Adams introduced Williams to his agent, Angelo Wright, who set up additional MRI exams for Williams.

Nearly two years after he suffered the collision, Williams received medical clearance to pursue football. While the stenosis remains, the bulging disc and bruised spine healed.

“A decent amount of athletes have stenosis and still play with it,” Williams said. “The key for me was getting healthy and having Mr. Wright walk me through everything I needed to do. He said it was going to be hard, but I just listened to what he told me.”

With medical clearance, Williams attended a NFL Regional Combine in Seattle in April, along with thousands of other wannabes. Williams performed well and earned an invitation to the Super Regional Combine in Dallas in May, posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.56 seconds.

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/sports/disabato/21363142-452/disabato-brandon-williams-has-dream-opportunity-with-carolina-panthers.html

 

Williams said he's been following his doctor's orders to continue strengthening his neck, which is only a little thicker than his biceps.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/05/11/4036664/carolina-panthers-prospect-brandon.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/05/11/4036664/carolina-panthers-prospect-brandon.html

 

 

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Again I say, I cannot remember a time when I was pulling for so many bubble players to make the team. There are just a ton of good stories on our roster right now.

[L-TownCat]

Gotta see how the man blocks before I think he beats out barnidge. He already has better hands and speed though.

PS at the minimum. But Hopefully 53.

I see you trollin'. Lol

[Guest CarolinaBlacknBlueblood]

I listened to the wfnz interviews at training camp this week and they all seemed to downplay the 2 tight end scheme. I really think not having shockey last year hurt our offense a lot last year. Olsen is our only tight end that can catch and be a threat to score. I hope this guy pans out.

[Frank Hollywood]

I see you trollin'. Lol

Lol it's late. I'm tired.

[Frank Hollywood]

I listened to the wfnz interviews at training camp this week and they all seemed to downplay the 2 tight end scheme. I really think not having shockey last year hurt our offense a lot last year. Olsen is our only tight end that can catch and be a threat to score. I hope this guy pans out.

Agree 100%

[TheRed]

Lol, I did mean hartstock. He's been a good blocking tight end, never a receiver. I think we keep brockel since he can play both positions, and IF Brandon Williams can block nearly as good as hartstock hell win the job. If not, we will try to stash him on the PS. Small chance all three TE's make the team. He'll I could see brockel and hartstock cut and two undrafted FA's taking their spots. (Zordich and Williams)

Too many scenarios. I can't wait for preseason.

I doubt all three make it. If it comes down to Hartsock or Williams, go with the younger guy with more upside.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I doubt all three make it. If it comes down to Hartsock or Williams, go with the younger guy with more upside.

We usually (up until last year) roll with three tight ends and one fullback.

But by technicality they rolled 4 last year, if you consider Brockel a tight end (Olsen, Barney, Hartsock, Brockel).

Even if Brockel isn't considered to be a tight end by fans, the number of players (five- Olsen, Barnidge, Hartsock, Brockel, Tolbert) remains the same, only we are carrying three tight ends and two full backs instead of four tight ends and one full back.

They might just replace Barney with Williams and do it again.