Hamilton, Williams lost for season

by Barca Blog - Terrible news to report out of Coach Johnson’s Monday press conference…

Redshirt sophomore right tackle James Williams and senior safety and co-captain Ryan Hamilton will miss the rest of the 2009 season after sustaining injuries in the loss to LSU last Saturday.

“James Williams, who has worked extremely hard to be a starter for us on the offensive line will be out with a dislocated ankle,” Johnson said.

“Ryan Hamilton has torn a pectoral muscle near his arm and will be out for the rest of the year. I think Ryan is an All-SEC caliber safety. He had a great year last year, and he started off with a great game against Western Carolina. He actually played about a quarter and a half with his muscle torn off his humerus bone against LSU, so that tells you how tough he is. He’s a captain for us and his injury is going to be really tough to deal with. I just want to let him know that we’re all thinking about him and also James.”

No word yet on if Hamilton will apply for a sixth season via medical redshirt. Johnson said the university would probably make that petition and Hamilton would probably have a good case to come back if he chooses to, and if NCAA approves it.

Both players will undergo surgery this week.

James Williams... Doin' work

by Barca Blog - I chatted with redshirt sophomore right tackle James Williams for the first time on Tuesday for a quick Q&A on VUcommodores.com. A few things stood out to me:

1. Williams is an imposing figure, listed at 6-6 and 315 pounds in the Commodores 2009 media guide. Sure, I knew of his size, but it didn't really hit me until he was towering over me in the hallway outside of the locker room. If I'm a tailback, this is the kind of guy I want to run behind.

2. He is a soft-spoken giant. That's a good thing. I definitely didn't want to anger him with my line of questioning. He doesn't say a lot but is precise with the words he uses.

3. In a two and a half minute interview, Williams mentioned the word "work" five different times with an emphasis on "working hard." His demeanor strikes me of someone who is focused on making a leap on the gridiron this season. The Smyrna High product, who impressed coaches during spring practice with his improved play, has been "working" with the first team at right tackle during fall camp, and that's a testament to him considering seven Commodores with multiple starts on the o-line returned this year.

Anyway, check out the entire Q&A here.