2006: Returning to the field after suffering a season-ending injury midway through the 2005 season, Williams again was a catalyst for the Penn State offense and special teams. A starter in 12 games, he was second on the team with 955 all-purpose yards, averaging 9.1 yards on his 105 touches. Williams made 40 receptions for 440 yards, giving Penn State a trio of players with 40 or more catches in a season for the first time. He had 36 carries for 145 yards (includes a sack when lined up at quarterback), 25 punt returns for a 12.0 average (second-best in the Big Ten), four kickoff returns for a 17.2 average and one pass attempt.

2005: Williams made an immediate impact when he joined the Nittany Lions for the 2005 spring semester. While he was sidelined for Penn State's final five games (including the Orange Bowl) after breaking his left arm while returning a kickoff late in the game at Michigan, Williams' speed, athleticism and winning persona jump-started Penn State's drive to the Big Ten Championship and helped diversify what developed into a very potent offense.

High School: Williams fashioned a tremendous career for Coach Rick Houchens at Eleanor Roosevelt HS in suburban Washington, D.C. During his senior season of 2004, Williams was 56-of-91 for 972 yards and 13 touchdown passes, ran for 1,123 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 203 yards and two more scores. He also accumulated 479 punt return yards and added another score. As a defensive back, he had four interceptions and 34 tackles. In his junior year, he rushed for 1,350 yards and 28 touchdowns and threw for 700 yards and five scores. Williams also recorded 46 tackles, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 2003. He also gained 760 return yards. In 2004, Williams was the subject of a series of stories in the Washington Post on his senior season and recruitment. Williams also was an accomplished sprinter on the track and field squad.

Personal: Full name is Derrick Dwanye Williams. He is the son of Dwight and Brinda Williams. He has an older brother, Domonique, who played running back and quarterback at North Carolina and finished his career at North Carolina A&T. Williams is enrolled in the recreation, park and tourism management program. Born July 6, 1986 in Washington, D.C.