Williams working to be U's next great back

Gophers running back Rodrick Williams Jr. picks up some hard fought yards against UNLV during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, August 29, 2013. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)Rodrick Williams looked to be the heir apparent at running back for the Gophers two years ago, but he recognizes right now that he wasn't ready.

Williams had the starting job for a minute. Then just like that he lost it -- seemingly for good.

The 5-foot-11, 228-pound Lewisville, Texas native watched David Cobb break school records and get drafted into the NFL after replacing him.

Watching that motivated Williams to be the next great back for the University of Minnesota, but he had to prove he…