Too small, they used to tell him, pessimism echoing from their words. Too weak, they used to think, skepticism dominating their opinions. Too unlikely, they used to believe, that senior offensive tackle Chris Williams would turn into a presence to be reckoned with on the offensive line.

However, Williams did to these beliefs what he routinely does to opposing defensive linemen: He shoved them out of the way.

"It's tough to put on this much weight and stay pretty athletic," Williams said of adding about 80 pounds since his freshman year. "I've been here every summer since I've been here developing my strength and keeping my quickness at the same time."

One of the catalysts to Williams' development has been offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, who has seen his pupil's determination turn into strong results.

"Everything we've asked of him, he's done," Caldwell said. "He knew that during the recruiting process to play in this league you have to be bigger, stronger (and) faster, and he's accomplished all that."

Not only has Williams done extremely well in his college career - as evidenced by receiving the honor of Southeastern Conference Lineman of the Week in recognition outstanding performance over Ole Miss - but also he has put himself in a position to play professional football.

"I'm focused on the season," Williams said. "I mean, you never know. Everyone's talking and stuff, about where I could fall and things like that. Me, I'm just worried about the season. I'll take care of all that stuff later."

One person who has no doubt Williams can one day have a successful NFL career is Caldwell, who sees in his preseason All-American a player who has all the tools to continue to the next level.

"I think he's got, first of all, a God-given talent that none of us had anything to do with and that's his size from his parents," Caldwell said. "He's big, and he can run. He has a great work ethic. He'll get in the weight room, get bigger or slimmer. Whatever they need, he will do and he will understand the game."

For now, though, Williams anchors an offensive line that had a breakout performance against Ole Miss and figures to form a steady foundation for the offense as the year progresses.

"He was part of a solid overall offensive line effort against Mississippi," said coach Bobby Johnson. "He and Josh (Eames, senior guard) both did an excellent job on the left side of our line."

Williams was pleased with the effort, as well.

"(The Ole Miss win) was great because I think some people were questioning our offense's running ability, especially after the Alabama game," Williams said. "To be able to come out and dominate up front ... was great."

Too strong, his opponents say as he pancakes blocker after blocker. Too smart, other coaches say when trying to scheme around him. Too unlikely, they all believe, that Williams will ever be stopped.