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Williams, a graduate of DeMatha High School, finds himself in an expanded leadership role this season, as the senior paces a seasoned Terrapins' offensive line. Although the entire offensive line could be composed of seniors this fall, Williams has the most experience in the unit.

"Because I'm the center, the plays have to start with me," Williams said. "It is very important for me to understand why [the coaches] are doing certain things. The center has to always be on task. I think I've grown tremendously."

Williams (6-foot-3 and 315 pounds) has progressed a great deal, especially considering he did not start high school as a football player. Instead, he participated on the Stags' basketball team. But by his senior year he was an imposing lineman, and at Maryland he excelled quickly enough to become the starting center as a redshirt sophomore. Williams has been a mainstay for the Terrapins ever since, making 26 consecutive starts, more than any other offensive player on the roster. He's seen playing time in each of the Terrapins' last 36 games.

"You want to have somebody with experience at center," said Terrapins' offensive line coach Tom Brattan. "I want him to continue to progress to be a dominating player, which he is at times. I would like that to be more consistent. I want him to continue his leadership role and continue to be a role model on and off of the field."

It took dedication on Williams' part to look beyond what happens on the practice or playing field, and that prepared him for future challenges.

"I think just becoming a student of the game has really helped me," said Williams, a 2003 Gazette-Star All-County First Team selection. "In order to excel at this level players have to take the responsibility of themselves."

Last fall served as a test of Williams' ability to adjust. Right guard Andrew Crummy, one of Williams' best friends, broke his leg early last season and didn't return until the final two games. Left guard Jaimie Thomas missed most of the season with a broken leg.

Those injuries left Williams without two mainstays who played adjacent to him on the offensive line. Williams knew the situation in front of him and was fully prepared.

"For me to develop, that starts before the snap," Williams said. "I knew what kind of tempo that the team played at. Andrew Crummy was an inspiration to me while I was learning the college game. He helped me get a sense of the whole game."

Williams' studious habits have helped him off the field as well. In his fifth year on the team, Williams has finished his undergraduate degree in communications and is currently enrolled in a sports management graduate program at Maryland. He hopes to play in the National Football League after finishing his Terps' career this fall.

Williams has confidence in himself, and so does his coach.

"Edwin has had a great camp," said head coach Ralph Friedgen. "I love him and I'm going to hate to see him go. He's the first guy to go down and get set on [extra points] and field goals. He's a great kid and you love to have him in the program. He's a leader. If you could bet on somebody being successful in life, I would bet on him."

E-mail Terron Hampton at thampton@gazette.net.