Rodrick Williams looked to be the heir apparent at running back for the Gophers two years ago, but he recognizes right now that he wasn't ready.
Williams had the starting job for a minute. Then just like that he lost it -- seemingly for good.
The 5-foot-11, 228-pound Lewisville, Texas native watched David Cobb break school records and get drafted into the NFL after replacing him.
Watching that motivated Williams to be the next great back for the University of Minnesota, but he had to prove he was willing to work and be mature enough to handle the spotlight.