Wide Receiver | Jaison Williams
The sky is the limit for Jaison Williams.
Size? Check. Speed? Check.
Statistics? Check
Williams, a 6-foot-5-inch, 243-pound sophomore who runs a 4.68 40-yard-dash, has quickly positioned himself as one of the nation’s best.
Entering Saturday’s key Pac-10 game at California, Williams had amassed 28 receptions for 462 yards and four touchdowns. He’s gone over 100 yards receiving in three consecutive games including 106 yards at Fresno State, 177 yards against Oklahoma and 137 against Arizona State.
With his size and speed, he creates matchup problems for opposing defenses. Put a linebacker on him, and he’s too fast. Put a defensive back on him, and he’s too strong.
His breakout year has correlated with a big year so far for the Oregon offense, which averages 497 yards per game. Williams is used in a variety of ways, but his specialty so far has been in the screen game. In the play, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon rolls right but throws back to the left to Williams, who has an offensive lineman blocking in front of him.
It’s worked masterfully so far. Williams scored twice on it so far, once from 13 yards and the other from 33 yards against the Sun Devils. He also took a screen pass 67 yards on the opening drive against Oklahoma. But Williams may get his stiffest test Saturday against Cal’s Daymeion Hughes.
– Luke Andrews
Cornerback | Daymeion Hughes
Playboy Magazine isn’t usually known for its accuracy in football predictions but this year it was dead-on with its first-team cornerback selection.
Cal’s Daymeion Hughes leads the nation in passes defended and is tied for second in interceptions with five, two of which he has returned for touchdowns.
Through five games, he has already matched his interception total from last year.
Though listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 188 pounds, Hughes has been known to be one of the more physical corners in the country as well as one of the best pass defenders.
His matchup with Jaison Williams, however, seems problematic.
Since Williams has a three-inch and 60-pound advantage, Hughes likely will have to rely more on his coverage skills rather than trying to jam
Williams at the line of scrimmage.
Either way, Hughes, who led the Pac-10 in passes defended last season, is a player the Oregon offense must account for.
“Watching him, his confidence and his body control has improved dramatically since last season,” Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. “He is as good as I’ve seen this season.”
– Jacob May