There are plenty of veteran receivers for the New Mexico State Aggies this season.
But it's a true freshman that is turning some heads as the squad continues to get ready for its season opener on Sept. 4 at home against Nicholls State.
Odessa, Texas native LaVorick Williams began his Aggies adventure in spring practice and was good enough to earn a spot among the top eight receivers entering fall practice, which began Thursday.
And the belief on the team is that he will continue to improve as his freshman campaign moves on and make an immediate impact.
"The spring went really well,"
Williams said. "Our high school team ran the spread, so the adjustment wasn't too bad."
Williams played at Odessa Permian, one of the most tradition-rich prep teams in the state of Texas. He caught 33 passes during his senior season and he's also the cousin of former Permian star and current Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams.
"I learned so much from different people in high school,"
Williams said. "I started playing football in fourth grade and I'm really excited to be here to start my college football career."
Williams took a different route to NMSU than most. Williams, who ran the 100 and 200 meters in high school, actually signed to run track at Texas Tech out of high school. But he didn't make it through the NCAA Clearinghouse to make it to Lubbock.
But after getting the NCAA Clearinghouse issues cleaned up, he made some contact with NMSU and the rest is history.
"LaVorick is a good kid, he asks good questions about the offense and he's maturing all the time,"
Aggies wide receivers and co-offensive coordinator Gary Goff said. "He'll contribute for us right away and he can play a couple of spots."
Williams spent the summer in Las Cruces and it paid off. He got stronger in the weight room and he believes that will help him this season.
Teammate and fellow wide receiver A.J. Harris said Williams has a bright future.
"LaVorick works hard, he has to improve on some things like his footwork, but he's getting better at that,"
Harris said. "There is no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him if he keeps working."
