Sports
Related Photos
-
Pat Christman
Discussion
Madieu Williams already making an impact
Vikings pleased with new safety
MANKATO — Before there was Jared Allen, and before there was Bernard Berrian, there was Madieu Williams.
Despite being the first free agent to sign with Minnesota this offseason and despite a $33 million contract, Williams just might be the overlooked guy from the Vikings’ offseason acquisitions.
Then again, safety might not be as glamorous as a pass-rushing defensive end like Allen or a play-making wide receiver like Berrian.
In the early days of training camp, Williams is even overshadowed by his big-talking defensive backfield partner, 12-year veteran Darren Sharper, as well as two other Pro-Bowl guys named Williams — Kevin and Pat — on the defensive line.
“We’ve got a lot of talent on this defense,” Madieu Williams said. “Everybody is doing their job.”
Don’t think Williams has gone completely unnoticed, though. He’s already making an impact, according to defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
“Sharper and (Williams) have hit it off so well, which makes for continuity in our secondary,” said Frazier, who was also Williams’ defensive coordinator in 2004 when Williams was a rookie for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Frazier said the acquisition of the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Williams added athleticism and better communication to the secondary and made the entire unit better.
“He allows us to do something on the outside because he has ability to play (man to man) on most tight ends and even some wide receivers. So that gives us a lot of flexibility from a coverage standpoint. He’s a very good tackler, and, along with his communication skills, should be a plus for our defense.”
Williams showed off some of his skills early Saturday morning, during the Vikings’ third practice of training camp.
During full-team drills, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson threw a pass behind tight end Jimmy Kleinsasser, and the ball deflected off the receiver’s hands.
Williams jumped up, grabbed the ball and sprinted through traffic and down the left sideline for a would-be touchdown.
“He’s just so athletic,” Frazier said.
In four years with the Bengals, Williams had nine interceptions, including two for touchdowns. He is replacing Dwight Smith, who tied Sharper for the team lead with four interceptions last season.
“I’m fitting in well here,” Williams said. “The guys have welcomed me with open arms. I’m excited to be part of this team.”
A native of Sierra Leone, who moved to Maryland when he was 9 years old, Williams is in his fifth year out of the University of Maryland, where he played with teammates linebacker E.J. Henderson and fullback Jeff Dugan.
- Sports
-
-
Minnesota State’s Dan Fehlberg is the closer
Minnesota State middle linebacker Dan Fehlberg may be undersized, but that doesn't stop him from being a force for the Mavericks' defense.
-
College Football Gameday: Northern Michigan at Minnesota State
Minnesota State opens the season with a nonconference game at home.
-
West tops Faribault 3-0 in rain-shortened opener
With a three-goal lead late in Tuesday's game, Mankato West was awarded the victory over Faribault after lightning brought the game to an end after 54 minutes at Dakota Meadows Middle School.
-
Belle Plaine dominates East triangular
Belle Plaine eighth-grader Janessa Mueleners turned in a time of 16:41 to top the 23-person field and lead the Tigers to victory at the Mankato East Triangular
-
East's Erdman takes first, but Belle Plaine wins triangular
Belle Plaine edged Mankato East 30-32 in a cross country triangular at Land of Memories Park.
-
Cougars' Enderle leaving her second home
In a way, the gym at Mankato East High School has been Hallie Enderle's second home since before she was born. Her mom, Barb Enderle, was the school’s longtime junior varsity coach, including the season in which she was pregnant with Hallie.
-
MSU hockey team begins workouts without Leitner
Freshman Matt Leitner, a highly touted recruit who was considered one of the top forwards in the United States Hockey League last year, will not be on the Minnesota State men's hockey team this year after being declared academically ineligible.
-
Local cross country teams open prep season
Stability may be the by word for the six Mankato cross country teams in 2010. All six head coaches return for another season, all of whom have been in charge for at least five years.
-
Rochester ousts Kato Twins from state tourney
The Mankato Twins went 1-2 and the Class B State Amateur Baseball Tournament.
-
Twins hacked in Savage attack
The Mankato Twins remain the only area baseball team still alive at the State Amateur Baseball Tournament.
- More Sports Headlines
-
