USC Players, Coaches Waiting on Williams

As USC receiver Mike Williams pondered whether to return for another season or turn pro, Trojan teammates and coaches played the waiting game along with anxious fans on Saturday.

“I talked to him just for a short time and he told me he hadn’t made a decision yet,” quarterback Matt Leinart said. “I want him to stay, and we need him to stay. But he has a lot to think about.”

Williams, a consensus All-American last season as a sophomore, said Friday that he had not decided about making himself available for the NFL draft, an option that became available to all underclassmen when a federal judge in New York ruled in favor of Maurice Clarett last month.

Players have until March 1 to petition for inclusion in the draft, which will be held April 24-25.

Offensive tackle Winston Justice said he believed Williams was leaning toward leaving.

“I’m kind of waiting to hear,” Justice said. “If I was in his position, I think I would be leaning toward that because I believe he would be drafted high.”

Justice, Leinart and offensive coordinator Norm Chow said they expected Williams to announce his decision on Monday.

Chow said he had not spoken to Williams on Saturday, but he did have several conversations with him last week.

“You point out all the pros and cons, then the young man needs to do what he needs to do,” Chow said. “We can sit and talk for hours, but it’s up to him.

“My gut feeling? I honestly don’t know.”

-- Gary Klein