“All The Way Back To My Third-Grade Teacher”
October 1st, 2010
Much has been made of Mark Dominik doing extreme homework on wide receiver Mike Williams before the 2010 draft.
Williams was a man among boys (minus Dez Bryant) at the NFL Draft combine, but his non-criminal troubles at Syracuse had NFL teams leery.
Dominik did his diligence and snatched Williams in the fourth round. So how far did Dominik go to check out Williams? The Bucs’ top rookie explained on Wednesday night on WDAE-AM 620.
“They went all the way back to my third-grade teacher. She texted me like, “An NFL guy came to talk to me.” They went all the way back as far as third grade,” Williams said. “They did a lot of research.”
Joe wonders what they could have asked the third-grade teacher, “Did Mike learn his multiplication tables quickly?” or “Did Mike ever wee-wee in class?” Perhaps Dominik had a lead on Williams shooting a spitball.
Whatever Dominik did to check out Williams, Joe wishes Bruce Allen had done the same thing on Tanard Jackson, another Syracuse guy.
Williams went on to say he was focused on working his way up the roster before the season when he got a surprise phone call before training camp from receivers coach Eric Yarber, who Williams said told him he’s be the starting X receiver on Day 1 of camp.
Williams went on to say he’s close friend with Josh Freeman. He says the two play pool and cards all the time and Freeman can’t beat him.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:11 am
Just food for thought… If the Bucs parted with one of their 2nd round picks and a 6th and 7th to trade back into the first round on draft night, they could conceivably have Dez Bryant AND Mike Williams starting right now. Now I’m not saying I think Benn is a bust or anything, I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do and I think he’ll be a fine player. But that thought entered my mind while reading this post and I found it interesting. I’m convinced in 3 years, Bryant and Williams will be far-and-away the best two receivers of this draft class.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:20 am
Agreed KJ, I think by far they are the most talented receivers. I actually feel bad for Dez, being in Dallas i think will hamper his development because all the distractions that occur there.
Im not saying that there is nothing in Tampa, but here Mike can simply focus on football without having the media glare on him 24/7.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:24 am
Dez Bryant created his own media circus, much more high profile. Mike has laid low. Give me Mike any day.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:28 am
bucfanjeff, I agree!
October 1st, 2010 at 11:32 am
Third grade? Did he sleep during his whole nap time? Did he clean the erasers and wash the black boards properly? Did he drop any balls at recess? Did he have a lunch box or did he paper bag it?
October 1st, 2010 at 11:34 am
That also could have changed the entire WR drafting mind set, and the Bucs may have missed out on Williams. Hind sight does not really work because of how things change when one team sneaks back in to grab a player. It is alos not always great to have two number 1 style receivers. Benn is a different type of player, and they should complement each other for years to come. It is too early and a moot point to second guess three games into the season.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:46 am
Not second guessing… Just thinking out loud. The thought that we could have potentially had Williams and Bryant starting together is intriguing, in my opinion. Especially if their careers play out like I think they will.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:50 am
And I think you are right on with their careers. They both look to be the real deal for sure.
October 1st, 2010 at 11:51 am
Dez is a Split End, not a Flanker, looking on that way, i preffer mike williams over dez bryant
October 1st, 2010 at 11:53 am
I can believe Williams is the better card player then Josh, right now. But Josh is a very competitive person, and he may even study film on Williams, LOL
Seroiusly, Tampa has a dynamic QB/Receiver tandem for years to come. The addition of Blount will only make us better. Tampa is improving as a team. We may not be there yet, but it will come one day.
October 1st, 2010 at 12:27 pm
well being that the teacher actually has Mike Williams phone number and texted him i would asume she has been a mentor to him beyond the third grade. Domink did say he questioned coaches and people that were close to him, so I’m going to assume she was more than just a third grade teacher to Mike Williams
October 1st, 2010 at 12:49 pm
KJ what are you smoking? a 2nd and 6th to move up in the first round?
it would take both of our 2’s + prob one of our 5ths to get back at the BOTTOM of the first.
too much Ganja for you i guess…
Dez and Mike would be a nasty combo, but we didnt have the ammunition to pull it off.
October 1st, 2010 at 12:58 pm
“so I’m going to assume she was more than just a third grade teacher to Mike Williams” That’s a scary thought and creepy. I can’t even remember my third grade teacher’s name, let alone have their cell number and text them?
October 1st, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Travis, Maybe KJ found Tard Jackson’s stash!
October 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pm
^^^ rofl
October 2nd, 2010 at 9:55 am
If she looks like one “Rachel Watson”, I’m sure she was quite memorable. I can only imagine what RW’s students think every time she bends over. I know what I was thinking at that age. The same thing I am now.
October 2nd, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Dying ta see Williams and Benn on the field together! The Tampa version of Swann and Stallworth. Gonna be great seeing those two growing together!
October 2nd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I agree Capt. Tim. Benn made a few nice grabs toward the end of the Steelers game so let’s hope Raheem gives him more of those opportunities against the Bengals.
Don’t forget about those two sick TD catches he made against the Texans during the preseason.
October 2nd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Righteous Patrick! I can’t remember the last Tampa WR who I was excited ta watch. Now we have Williams, Benn, Stroughter, and Briscoe! It’s like Christmas Morning!