http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9527597
Not only is Panthers first-round pick DeAngelo Williams expected to return kickoffs for the Carolina Panthers this season, he actually volunteered to do it.
Williams said he went to the Panthers coaching staff and told them he wanted to return kicks the way he did during his junior year at Memphis. The Panthers were more than receptive to the idea. They now expect Williams to do it.
"I'm stoked about it," Williams said. "Can't wait to do it."
This almost guarantees that Williams will be contributing in some way to the Panthers this season. But the bigger question will be whether he can unseat DeShaun Foster and wrestle away some of the veteran running back's playing time.
But Williams knows that nearly every rookie must first make his mark on special teams. He is ready to do it.