In his senior year at Richlands High School, Williams had a 6-foot-6, 255-pound frame shaped in part by working with his father, James, a brick mason. He already was being compared to Julius Peppers, who became the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick in 2002. Williams was bigger, stronger and faster than Peppers had been as a high school senior. He ran 40 yards in 4.5 seconds and could bench press 385 pounds; Peppers weighed 235, ran the 40 in 4.6 seconds and could bench press 270. Studentsports.com, a recruiting Web site and high school sports magazine, rated Williams the No. 3 defensive end prospect in the country.

2003, FRESHMAN

At N.C. State, Williams got a head start by enrolling in January. He started every game, registered his first sack against Wake Forest and finished as the team's seventh-leading tackler.

Williams, named a freshman All-America by The Sporting News, said he found himself too excited at times during games. "You have to stay calm, like in practice," he said.

Coach Chuck Amato said Williams was "just scratching the surface." Added teammate Manny Lawson, "He's a quiet guy, almost like he'd like to be anonymous. But put on that big No. 9 ... he can be one of the greatest."

2004, SOPHOMORE

When practice began in 2004, Williams had added more than 20 pounds since his freshman year and was listed at 6-7, 290.

In the attacking style of new defensive coordinator Reggie Herring, Williams helped State finish No. 1 in the nation in total defense and was named first-team All-ACC. After a slow start, he closed with 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, the sixth-highest total in school history, and six sacks.

He said he could tell rival linemen were having trouble by what they said during games. "I've heard a lot," he said, smiling. "I heard one just say, 'Help!' "

2005, JUNIOR

By the end of his junior season, Williams had a school-record 14.5 sacks and Lawson 11 as the Wolfpack finished 7-5.

But it wasn't until late October, when Amato challenged the defense that Williams began to peak. State won five its last six games.

Another motivator for Williams came when he wasn't one of 12 Lombardi Award semifinalists.

"You really can't explain what happened," Williams said before the bowl game in Charlotte. "If I was to go back and have the first half of the season like it is now in the second half, I'd have 20-plus sacks."