Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Darrent Williams’ heroes were Cowboys: Dallas wide receiver Michael Irvin and cornerback Deion Sanders.
That figures.
Irvin, nicknamed “The Playmaker,” and Sanders, nicknamed “Prime Time,” never were shrinking violets.
Williams, the Broncos’ second-round pick Saturday, doesn’t plan to be one, either.
“I’ve always excelled at whatever level I’ve played at, if it was Pop Warner, middle school or high school,” Williams said after the Broncos made him their first pick of the draft. “I’ve always considered myself an exceptional athlete. I don’t think it’s going to stop in the NFL, either.
“I’m still going to be an elite player like I always have.”
As a four-year starting cornerback at Oklahoma State, Williams made his mark as a playmaker. He had 11 interceptions in his career and returned five for touchdowns. He also returned 22 punts for 482 yards (a 21.9-yard average), scoring three touchdowns.
“I think I can come in and contribute right away next season,” he said. “Being a starter on kick returns and punt returns, I feel like I was a dual threat in the draft, anyway, one of the few dual threats in the draft. I think I could come in right now and contribute as a returner. I think that was one of the main reasons that Denver picked me at the position they picked me at.”
Broncos tailback , selected in the second round last year, was ecstatic to learn he is being reunited with his former Oklahoma State teammate.
“For real?” Bell said. “That’s great. He’s going to be able to contribute right away. He’s a playmaker.”
Broncos assistant defensive backs coach Jimmy Spencer was singing the same tune.
“I love the pick,” Spencer said. “We’ve got a guy who’s smart and explosive and a playmaker. It’s a good pick for us. I like his mind-set. He knows football. It was really important for us to look for a guy who at any given time can take it the distance. Look at what Dante Hall can do for Kansas City. He’s explosive.”
Like his football heroes, Williams also has a reputation for being a little loud and cocky.
Some draft guides questioned his ability to be coached. Williams also touts some baggage. As a freshman, he tested positive for marijuana. And he was suspended from OSU’s appearance in last season’s Alamo Bowl for breaking team rules.
“That was a long, long time ago. That was four years ago. I’ve put that way behind me,” Williams said of the marijuana issue.
As for his suspension from the Alamo Bowl, Williams describes the situation as a “miscommunication.” He was coming back from a broken forearm and the Oklahoma State coaches wanted him to play.
“I wasn’t 100 percent cleared to play,” he said. “Some of the coaches felt like I could have played, but I had talked to a doctor who advised me not to play. He wanted the bone to heal without surgery. So it was a thing that the doctor suggested one thing and the coaches thought another way.”
According to Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, Williams’ arm has completely healed.
Williams, who said he is the equal of any cornerback in the draft, was thrilled when he got a call from the Broncos.
“I was actually in a hotel room when I got the message,” he said. “My heart just dropped. Words can’t really describe it. I’ve never had this feeling ever in my life. I can’t even describe how I feel.”
Now he will join Bell in a Broncos uniform.
“Me and Tatum are real good friends,” Williams said. “I talked to Tatum (on Friday), and a couple of weeks ago he came back home down to Texas and (we) spent some time together and talked a lot. It will be just like college days.”
If that’s true – if Williams becomes a prime-time playmaker in the NFL – the Broncos won’t miss not having a first-round pick in the 2005 draft.
“Watch out, man,” Bell said. “I’m telling you what, this kid can play.”
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
