Former USC Player Named as One of the Best Freshmen of the Century

True freshmen more often than not have to adjust to the college gridiron. Mike Williams didn't fit into that category. The former USC Trojans receiver, who starred for Pete Carroll's program from 2002-23, was named the No. 10 true freshman since 2000 by CBS Sports' Chris Hummer.

"It's not often a Heisman winner has a freshman as his go-to receiver," Hummer wrote Monday. "But it took no time at all for Williams to establish himself as Carson Palmer's top target. Williams posted 81 catches for 1,265 yards and a Pac-10 best 14 touchdowns as a freshman, setting Pac-10 and USC freshman records for yards and touchdowns.

"Williams was so good in college that he played two years, sat out a season -- after being ruled ineligible for the 2004 NFL Draft -- and still went No. 10 overall the following year."

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith was tabbed at No. 2 on the list, having eclipsed Williams in receiving yards (1,315) and touchdown catches (15). Williams also ranked behind Georgia's Brock Bowers (No. 6), but ahead of Purdue's Rondale Moore (No. 13). That quartet accounted for all the pass-catchers on Hummer's list.