I had read a number of articles on Brandon Williams once I learned the Ravens had an interest in him prior to the draft and subsequent to his being drafted by the Ravens. Williams background of being raised by his mother and the family having to deal with financial hardship is unfortunately not that uncommon. What came across in reading about Wiilliams was his positive attitude and how he addressed his circumstances. Williams' summer job with the porta potty company tells me he was prepared to do his part to.help improve his standing and that of his family. I enjoy seeing small college players come into the league and becoming solid starters. When Williams performed well in the Senior Bowl combined with his work ethic and his expressed determination to succeed in the NFL, I was upbeat when the Ravens drafted him in 2013. I was hopeful Williams would develop to be a solid reliable starter for the Ravens in the likes of Kelly Gregg. Late in the Spring of that year I was in Ocean City, MD on a weekend when they were having a Baltimore Ravens celebration that included a parade. The parade would stop momentarily on occassion and Ravens' players and coaches who were in the parade would talk with spectators and sign autographs. At one point when the parade stopped I recognized defensive line coach Brooks riding in the vehicle stopped in front of where I was standing. I got his attention and asked him if Brandon Williams was the real deal. Coach Brooks nodded as he looked at me and said, "Oh yea". Before Williams had gone through a full training camp Coach Brooks knew what Williams was capable of. Williams likes to clown around and have a good time but don't worry the Ravens will get their monies worth from Williams. He takes the challenge of besting the men across the line from him to heart, his pride will allow for no less.
