Williams' star on the rise in Houston

HOUSTON -- Mario Williams isn't comfortable as the face of the Houston Texans. The defensive end is so uneasy with the notion he pretends not to notice.

"I really don't pay much attention to it," he said. "You know I don't watch TV or read newspapers or magazines."

When pressed, the former N.C. State standout continued: "I don't have to know that. I'm just here to play ball and be part of the team."

Like it or not, last year's 14-sack season has made Williams this relatively anonymous team's biggest star. Now the Texans are waiting to see how the top overall pick in 2006 will follow it up.

Williams made a big jump last season after having 4 1/2 sacks as a rookie while playing through a painful foot ailment.

Houston defensive coordinator Richard Smith expects even more in 2008.

"He's a lot more disruptive than a year ago," Smith said. "He finished the year strong, which, I think, means more confidence. And, in turn, I think he's going to have more success than he had a year ago. I'm not just talking about sacks; I'm talking about hurries on the quarterback and disruptive plays."

Smith said Williams is using his hands better and is "playing much more instinctively." His first season, Williams said he struggled with being too mechanical and not following his instincts.

While the expectations from coaches and fans are high for Williams, they don't rival what the player expects from himself. Coach Gary Kubiak calls the 6-foot-6, almost 300-pounder one of the hardest workers and most well-conditioned players he's ever been around.

"The only thing I think about in the past is that it wasn't good enough -- no matter what I did," Williams said. "So I don't dwell on it. ... So I just try to go out and be better than what I thought I was before."