DeAngelo Williams, a junior running back from the University of Memphis, was a key factor in the Tigers finishing with an 8-4 record and a bid to the GMAC bowl. It was the first time in school history that the Tigers had advanced to a bowl game in consecutive years.

Williams has rewritten the rushing section of the school's record book and received numerous honors for the season.

Williams is a two-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year (2003, 2004) and received recognition as a C-USA Player of the Week twice during the season. He ended the season as a finalist for the Maxwell Award, the Doak Walker Award, the Hossman Trophy and the John Wooden Cup.

He also was named an All-American by Pro Football Weekly (first-team), the Associated Press (third-team), CollegeSportsReport.com (second-team), and was tabbed as a member of the Conference USA All-Decade Team.

Prior to the start of the season, CBS Sportsline named Williams No. 45 among the 50 most relevant people in college football. He was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association "College Player of the Year". This season, he rushed for 1,948 yards and led the nation with 22 rushing touchdowns.

In only three seasons at the University, Williams owns career records in 100-yard games (24), rushing yards (4,062), attempts (659) and touchdowns scored (41).