Brandon Williams, DE

Big 12 opponents fully appreciated the impact Williams had on the Red Raiders' in 2008, even if others paid more attention to the high-flying offense. After all, Williams led the conference with 13 sacks, earning first-team All-Big 12 accolades as a junior, and leaves Tech ranked fourth in school history with 22.5 career sacks. Williams is strictly a speed rusher, as he lacks the bulk and strength to provide much in the running game. Teams are always looking for pass rushers and this fact could make Williams a top-100 selection come April, but another year at Texas Tech to get stronger would have been beneficial.

Positives: Lanky, athletic frame with room for at least an additional 15-20 pounds of added mass. … Good initial quickness off the snap. … Can pressure the edge immediately with his burst and has the balance and flexibility to get under the tackle and close. … Has a late short burst to close. … Good straight-line speed.

Negatives: Essentially a one-trick pony at this time because he lacks the bulk and strength required to be dependable against the run in the NFL from the traditional defensive end position. … Lacks the balance and flexible hips to change direction fluidly and project as a linebacker. … Relies on his long arms and speed to trip up ballcarriers too often. … Is not a strong tackler and opponents break his arm tackles.

All-Big 12 Conference Second Team and honorable mention … Started slow, but came on strong following Ruffin McNeill's appointment as interim defensive coordinator four games in … led the team with 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks … had three tackles in the bowl win over Virginia … also had a tackle for loss and a sack … posted a tackle and broke up a pass in the season finale win over Oklahoma … three tackles at Texas … big game at Baylor with four tackles, one and half tackles for loss, a sack, forced fumble and a pass breakup … two tackles against Colorado, a half sack and a forced fumble … posted a season-high nine tackles at Missouri with a half sack and a forced fumble … four tackles and a quarterback hurry in the win over the Aggies … three tackles, including two for loss, and a quarterback hurry in the Iowa State win … three tackles for loss and two sacks against Northwestern State … also had a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup … four tackles and first sack of the season at Rice … opened the season with three tackles at SMU.

Named to The Sporting News All-Big 12 Freshman Team … true freshman who saw extensive playing time on special teams and at defensive end on passing downs … finished third on the defense behind Keyunta Dawson and Jake Ratliff with his 3.5 sacks … three tackles in the regular-season finale against Oklahoma State … had two tackles and a sack and a half in the Baylor win … two tackles against the Longhorns … had a season-high five tackles and two sacks in Tech's 62-0 defeat of Southeastern Louisiana … totaled 16 tackles (11 solo) on the season.

South Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas … No. 69 overall prospect in Dallas area (Dallas Morning News) … District 8-4A first team after posting 102 tackles and 11 sacks during senior season … Rated as one of the state's top 20 defensive linemen … Timed at 4.8 second in the 40-yard dash … Also offered by Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa State, Central Florida and SMU … High school coach was Jerry Watson.

Brandon Williams … Born June 21, 1988, in Fort Worth … Son of Debra and Gary Hampton … Has an older sister, LaToya, and a younger brother, Demondre … Likes working on the computer and watching TV.