Williams is Preparing to Extend Streaks in 2008

Since his arrival on campus in 2006, wide receiver Mike Williams has been a team leader with his play on the gridiron. As a rookie in 2006, Williams posted a team-leading 461 receiving yards, placing him second all-time among freshman receivers at Syracuse.

Williams followed his outstanding rookie season with a stellar sophomore campaign. His 60 receptions tied a Syracuse record for catches in a season, and his 837 receiving yards set a new standard for Orange sophomore receivers. In an October contest against the University at Buffalo, Williams and fellow standout wide receiver Taj Smith set an Orange record, becoming the first wide receiver duo since 1993 to accumulate more than 100 receiving yards each in a single game.

There is little doubt when reflecting upon Williams’ performance during his first two seasons that he ranks as one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history. Despite his success, however, Williams is not resting.

“I just want to lead by example and show everybody the right way – catch the ball, block, do everything that Coach says,” Williams said. “If people see that I’m doing it, I hope that they will do it too.”

Williams believes that one of the most significant improvements made during the spring season was to his blocking game – an often underrated, yet inestimably important part of a complete wide receiver’s game. Williams’ progress has been noted by the Orange coaching staff.

“He never ceases to amaze me”, said head coach Greg Robinson of Williams. “He’s been a very complete wide receiver for us this spring.”

Williams will carry two statistical streaks with him into the 2008 season. His streak of at least one reception in 20 consecutive games ranks fifth all-time in Syracuse football history, and his school-record streak of nine games with a touchdown reception is currently the longest in the FBS Division.

“You expect a great year (from Mike),” said offensive coordinator Mitch Browning. “When I watch him on film, I’m amazed because the guy plays and practices with so much enthusiasm. Whether we’re in a run drill or a pass drill, he’s just a guy who loves the game and leads by example.”

Williams and junior Lavar Lobdell are the most experienced pass catchers in the Orange receiving corps. The unit also includes sophomore Donte Davis, who missed last season with an injury after playing as a true freshman in 2006, sophomore Dan Sheeran, redshirt freshman Chaz Cervino true freshman Van Chew, who enrolled at Syracuse in January and participated in Spring practice, and senior John Barker.

The Orange will begin pre-season practice in early August. The 2008 season-opener is August 30 at Northwestern and the home-opener is September 6 when SU will host Akron in the Carrier Dome. Syracuse will also host Penn State (September 13), Northeastern (September 20, Homecoming Weekend) and Pittsburgh (September 27). Syracuse will also host Louisville (November 1, Family Weekend) and Connecticut (November 15).

All 2008 season tickets, including the $100 Touchdown Town seats, are available online (click here) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX). Season ticket packages begin at $100 in Touchdown Town. Adult season tickets are $205, youth/student season tickets are $115 and faculty/staff season tickets are $164. The renewal deadline for 2008 football season tickets is May 30.New preferred/premium seat patrons are invited to call the Carrier Dome Box Office.

A 2008 Penn State Pack, which includes tickets for SU’s games against Penn State (Sept. 13) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 27) or Penn State and Connecticut (Nov. 15), will also be available beginning April 19. The cost of the two-game package is $85 for adults and $40 for youth.

Syracuse University Athletics

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