Written by Justin Hopkins,

Meet Texas running back Dontae Williams.  The

Dontae did not hold back when talking about his interest in Oregon.  "I really, really, really like Oregon,"  Williams said.  "Honestly all I've thought about is Oregon lately, Utah a little, but Oregon has just been on my mind a lot lately.  Oregon is my leader right now."

It comes with great reason that Dontae has such a strong interest in Oregon.  He is very well aware of the program after watching former teammate and current Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas go through the process. Both players played at Aldine high school in Houston, TX, and have had some communication about playing together at Oregon. "We haven't talked lately, but around winter time when he was home we talked a little about both playing at Oregon and what he likes about the program," Williams said.

Distance will not be a factor to Dontae as he explained he is ready to get out and see some new places. "Distance won't be a factor at all, and ultimately the decision of which school I attend is completely up to me."

Last year Oregon had two running backs both rush for over 1,000 yards on the season and had a combined 30 touchdowns together. "I'm very aware of Oregon 's rushing attack, it's one of the reasons they are my top school,"  Williams said.  "I really want to go someplace with nice weather, not too hot, and not too cold.  I also want a school that has a good teacher/student ratio.  I saw a few pictures and Darron told me about the facilities, that is a big plus, I can't wait to see them."  Dontae also mentioned that his favorite thing to do in his off time is work out.

Due to an ankle injury Dontae's junior season was cut short. But in that short time he had 595 rushing yards, with a 6.4 YPC, and 6 touchdowns. But that hasn't kept the schools from taking notice in Dontae's abilities. "I am a great downhill runner, elusive, agile, I can catch, and I can block anybody."" I was working on my footwork, but that has improved, so now I am working on my flexibility."

Right now Dontae is focusing on keeping his academics in order. School has just finished for the year, but he is preparing to take the ACT this Saturday. "I need to work on my school work, it's not that bad, but I'm out to prove that I am worth recruiting grade wise, I can be productive, I will have my grades up and prove to everyone I can do it."

Fully healthy and ready to go for his senior season Dontae has some goals in mind. "I want to become a great leader for my team," Williams said.  "I watch Adrian Peterson play, he is the one guy I want to be like.  Everyone is afraid when they have to play him, he is tough, he plays hard, he is fast.  That's what I want people to say about me."

Dontae has no timeline for when he will make his college decision. It likely won't happen until after football season and after he has had a chance to take some visits. "I want to see some places, enjoy this process a little, but once I make my commitment I won't be visiting anymore schools."

Duckterritory.com will keep in contact with Dontae and check in as his senior season approaches for updates.

ESPN, Scouts, Inc. Evaluation...
A shortened junior season may be leading to Williams' under-the-radar recruiting status, but after watching him on film we think this guy's stock will soar after full senior campaign. Has very good size with his strong frame and compact body composition. Runs with a good base, body control and very low to the ground allowing him to see and slide through the small creases. Sharp, decisive cutter picking and darting through the initial traffic. Flashes good change-of-direction skill when he sees the cutback. Shows good vision and patience as a runner and great burst out of his cuts accelerating north-south when he finds a seam. Able to slice through the seams just as they open and jump-cut the first defender through the hole. Displays good foot-quickness and suddenness as an in-line runner, particularly for a thicker back. Difficult to ever get a clean shot him and he bounces off a lot of initial tackles with the great momentum he gains through the hole. A quick-twitched athlete. Never stops his legs from churning and looks to finish every carry. Drags the pile and is always falling forward. Combines a very strong upper- and lower-body with great determination. Will surprise you with his foot-quickness and hips bouncing outside as well; does not gear down a lot cutting laterally. However, he's not real elusive once he reaches top-speed in the second level (gears down to cut) and lacks the extra burst to separate from faster defensive backs. A bit quicker than fast and while explosive through the hole he lacks great top-end speed. That said, Williams has all the physical tools sought-after in a featured college back; the power to earn tough yards after contact,the speed and balance to rip off a long run on any carry and soft hands out of the backfield. Expect recruiting to heat up.

Comments (11)

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written by ncduck, June 10, 2009

I hope the ankle heals up nicely. Good luck and enjoy th eprocess!

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written by Canaduck, June 10, 2009

Sounds like the driven type of young men we love to see in Oregon jerseys

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written by dudefromor, June 10, 2009

this kid sounds like a beast....i liked his film. looks like he runs with great tenacity as well as having good vision. come to oregon dontae....great weather and well heck...oregon just rocks!! lol

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written by Mike Verbanic, June 10, 2009

Come join DT at Oregon, an all Aldine backfield!

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written by Ray Olma, June 10, 2009

Good size and speed and he likes the "O", whats not to like!

The DUCKS would love to see you running for over a 1000 yrds some day soon!

GO DUCKS!!

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written by Tom, June 10, 2009

He would run wild in our offense. Can't wait to see him dawning the O.


Go Ducks!

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written by RM, June 10, 2009

This sounds promising. I hope he likes his visit here and feels at home. Having DT on the team helps, not just because of what we can offer him, but so that he has an unbias inside guy giving him feedback on any concerns that he might have about the program. After it's all said and done, Dontae should have a very thorough understanding of our program and how much we can all benefit from having him as part of our football family.

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written by Ducky, June 10, 2009

We'd love to see you here at Oregon, Dontae.

What are his other 7 offers btw?

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written by RM, June 10, 2009

Sign this kid up to play the roll of "Thunder" in the movie, "Oregon Backfield 2010".

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written by godux1212, June 11, 2009

I like the attitude Dontae throws out there... sounds like he's willing to work hard (on and off the field), come on up to Oregon and join the 1000 yard rushing club!

GO DUCKS

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