HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER
(opening statement)
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It was a long wait. I think that we are in complete agreement that we are very fortunate that Damian was there. We had Damian rated quiet high and there were even some attempts to get up to get Damian but they were unsuccessful and fortunately he fell to us. Damian is a complete receiver. He can play all positions, inside, outside and in addition to that he returns. He had two punt returns for touchdowns this past year. He has done kickoff sparingly but can do it but is a very, very talented punt returner and all around tremendous athlete. So were excited to bring him aboard. We think he will solve some of our return needs that we have had as of late. So we are very excited to get Damian.
(on high was he on the draft board)
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There is no way we thought he would get through the middle of the second round. He was the fifth receiver drafted so we had him up there. He is just a great young man, studies, puts the extra time in and football is very, very important to him.
COLLEGE SCOUT MARV SUNDERLAND
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(on what his versatility)
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This kid was very productive at Arkansas, as you know, but when he didn't miss a beat when he came into USC. This kid lined up and was accepted readily, rare for a transfer sometimes, came in on his own merits. He is fast, he's smooth, and he has great hands like coach was talking about. He fit right in with their program. He was one of their top leaders on their team. Very intelligent. He has already graduated. As coach said, he can return. Very good punt returner, smooth guy and he had good speed. He is a down the field receiver and there's not much he can't do.
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MIKE HEIMERDINGER
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(on Williams contributing early)
I think he can because he is a smart guy and has played in a pro style offense. He has everything you look for on film from a receiver he does.
HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER
When you watch him on tape, I thought he was much bigger, taller. He plays big. Mike (Heimerdinger) indicated that also. He's explosive, he's got great hands. Unfortunately for the program, that had some injuries and they had some setbacks at the quarterback position. The quarterback play was not what they were use to so I think the production was down. Still you can see him playing hard throughout so maybe he can help us.
(on filling defensive needs)
There was a run at the top of the draft at corners as you know. There are still a good group of corners out there. We have got to get back up because we have the compensatory pick. There's a good group of corners, there's a good group of football players still on the board.
(on Williams being a third rounder if he didn't return)
I think he was worthy of a second round pick as a receiver. If you're asking would he be here if he didn't return. Yes, he would be here if he didn't return. He is that good of a receiver.
