Auburn WR coach Dameyune Craig on Duke Williams: ‘Now he understands’

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn coach Gus Malzahn has allowed receiver Duke Williams to rejoin the team, but Williams still has some work to do before regaining his starting role.

Even last year’s leading receiver, Sammie Coates, didn’t get it at first, Craig said, “until he learned how to practice the way we wanted him to practice”.

With statistics not being made public, Malzahn said he came away from the scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium with a more positive outlook on the offense than the first live team effort, which was dominated by the defense, on Monday.

Williams returned to practice Thursday after missing almost a week for an undisclosed disciplinary issue. Although Williams was back with the team Thursday, he did very little in practice.

Enough of that. Now, Craig says he’s going back to 2013 when he first got the attention of his receivers on the field and in the meeting room.

Asked specifically if Williams would play in the opening game, Malzahn said, “It’s a daily deal just like everybody else on our team”. We can all go back to sleep knowing there wasn’t no altercation and there wasn’t no arguments.

Williams is not a first round prospect based on his 2014 game film, but with improved consistency blocking and finishing catches, he has the physical skill-set to be one of the top seniors drafted next spring, likely on day two. Williams sat out the Tigers’ loss to Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl for what Malzahn called a violation of team rules.

“I’m a senior, I’m a leader, and when things like (Williams” being out) happen, somebody has to step up and that’s my responsibility”, Louis said, via Crepea.

If Williams can take advantage of what is most likely his last chance at Auburn, the Tigers are in a win-win situation at wide receiver after a week of tension.

“I try to keep the same standard for everybody”.