 "Photo: Andrew Price")
"Now, hold on a second, I thought he was in the NFL?"
For many fans taking in a Texas football preseason practice, it is a perplexing first glance. But no, that isn't Roy Williams. Say hello to Limas Sweed.
"I asked Roy in January if I could wear number four," said Sweed, who wore the number at Brenham High School. "I thought that the number might be retired because of all of Roy's success here. I was just going to wear number 11 like I did last year, but Roy said that if I wanted it I should get it."
The 6-foot-5-inch redshirt freshman, who changed to Williams' number 4 from number 11 which he wore during his redshirt year, is a spitting image of the former star on the practice field. But look closer. The physical differences between the two are subtle in the arms, but more apparent on the field.
Sweed feels vastly improved after spending all of last season soaking in everything he could from Williams. Like most incoming freshmen, he was eager to play, but he found that a redshirt fit him best.
"I learned a lot from watching Roy," Sweed said. "I definitely realized that I needed to come in and learn from the seniors because I needed time to develop as a pure receiver. In high school, we ran the Wing T and didn't pass that much."
Sweed made the most of his chances. He scored 31 touchdowns as a varsity receiver at Brenham, reaching the end zone on almost half of his 72 catches. On his way to the end zone, Sweed averaged 23.4 yards per reception.
He played both ways, making 44 tackles and grabbing five interceptions as a safety in his final season. That year he helped lead the Cubs to a 14-2 record and a runner up finish in the Class 4A Division II Championship game.
"I played in tight a lot back then," Sweed said, referring to his time in a three-point stance. "But I am looking forward to being a playmaker this season. It killed me to sit out, but I knew that I needed it. I am anxious to get going."
And, for a team that lost its top three receivers from last season, the time on the field is now for Sweed. Texas head coach Mack Brown has vowed to throw the ball down the field despite an inexperienced receiving corps, and Sweed's physical skills make him an ideal threat.
But, as he learned the hard way, he just has to get off the line first.
"Going up against Nathan Vasher, I was five yards in the backfield before I could get off the jam," Sweed said. "But I am stronger and better at getting off the line now. I finally learned to see the defensive back and the ball at the same time."
Sweed's new position coach, Bobby Kennedy, said that beating physical cornerbacks might be the biggest adjustment for his young receivers. Kennedy is pleased with Sweed's progress, but he doesn't let up.
"Going from high school to playing guys who are 22 years old is an adjustment," Kennedy said. "Our young guys come in and they are athletic and quick enough to get off the line. But they just have to be stronger to get open."
"There is still an experience factor with Limas, but there is no doubt that he is talented enough athletically. He just needs more repetitions to improve his technique. He is just going to get better and better."
With Sept. 4 and the season opener rapidly approaching, Sweed can't wait for the coaches to call his number. Finally, he can apply all of his learning.
"It took me a while to get the hang of things," Sweed said. "All of the plays started at 300 mph. They were calling things like 'X Zip, left, Z Rocket.' I was pretty confused then. I am comfortable now."
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