August 31, 2005

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Palo Alto Online

Ex-Stanford defender Tank Williams happy to be back on NFL field

by Rick Eymer

It was only one play - the first play in fact - in a meaningless preseason NFL game on Friday night at ancient Candlestick Park, but for Stanford grad Tank Williams it was a special moment.

San Francisco 49ers' running back Kevan Barlow ran a simple run play off the tight end side and Williams, as he was accustomed to doing the past three years as the Tennessee Titans' strong safety, was there to make the play, stopping Barlow after a one-yard gain.

The moment was special because Williams was on the field for the first time since suffering a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee last Nov. 14 in a game against the Chicago Bears.

"It was good to get back on the football field and get that first play," Williams said after the game. "Getting that first hit in, filling the hole and holding up in traffic helped put my mind at ease. It gave me confidence from the start."

Williams wasn't the only Stanford grad on the field at the time. Eric Heitmann is the starting center and Kwame Harris is a starting tackle for the 49ers.

"I knew this was his first game back. I never had the chance to block him; that would have been fun," Heitmann said. "I saw him running around and he looked good out there. He's a light-hearted, friendly guy. The first thing he did when he saw me was run up and give me a big hug. We talked about our summers. We still keep in touch."

Heitmann and Williams each enjoyed a banner senior season at Stanford, with both receiving first team All-American honors. Williams became the first defensive back to earn the honor in school history.

Harris joined the 49ers a year after Heitmann.

Williams was second on the Cardinal with 68 total tackles. He had a team-leading five interceptions, to go with two sacks, two tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on a team that reached the Seattle Bowl and finished ranked 16th in the nation. He returned one fumble 25 yards for a touchdown against Arizona.

The Titans made him their second-round pick. Williams missed the preseason of his rookie year with a left hamstring injury but started every game during his first two NFL seasons.

Williams was having a breakout season last year, with 52 tackles, an interception, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in nine games. That came crashing down when he sustained the ACL tear. Williams had started 41 straight regular season games.

He had a career-high 11 tackles against the Bears preceding the injury. Two weeks later he was on injured reserve after undergoing surgery.

"Missing the last part of the season is always tough," Williams said. "It's tough to watch from the sideline. It's one of those things that you have to go through, but it makes you stronger as an individual as well."

Williams sat on a chair in front of his locker in the visitor's locker room at Candlestick, ice wrapped around his knee. He only played a few series, but figures to be ready to go full speed ahead by the Titans' regular-season opener at Pittsburgh on Sept. 11.

"I've worked hard to get back here," he said. "All I want to do is stay healthy and play. I'm going to look at things one day at a time."

The Titans didn't spend enough time in the area for Williams to visit his alma mater, but was able to talk to some friends. He also said he tries to keep up on Stanford football news as much as possible.

Heitmann also had his knee worked on after Friday's game, and will miss the 49ers final preseason game this weekend.

"The knee swelled up after the game and what was me asking for an ice bag turned into this," Heitmann said as he pointed to the bulging outline of a brace under his pants. "It's not really that bad."

Heitmann and Harris were among the 49ers who attended Thomas Herrion's funeral on Saturday. Herrion, an offensive line candidate, collapsed and died shortly after the 49ers lost to the Denver Broncos on Aug. 20.

"We felt like we lost a brother," Heitmann said. "I've been close with Thomas since last November. I really do think Thomas was with us this week."

Said Harris: "It's always emotional when you play but it was especially true this week. In addition to playing for the love of the game, we also paid a special tribute."

NOTE: Williams hosts his own website at www.tankwilliams.com.

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