"Being named to the Pro Bowl last season should have been a redeeming moment for Texans defensive end Mario Williams, but he shrugs it off.

"It's what they expected out of me when they drafted me, and it's what I expected of myself," Williams said. "So it was an honor, but it was just a step in what I hope to do."

It seems like a long three years ago when many Texans fans booed when Williams was drafted first overall, but during his tenure in Houston, Williams has more than proved the ability the scouts and coaches saw in him.

"The guy's a hell of an athlete and a hard worker," defensive line coach Bill Kollar said. "The type of person he is and the way he works is just really a pleasure."

Williams' strong work ethic has been displayed in the weight room and the film room. Defensive coordinator Frank Bush praised Williams (6-6, 288 pounds) as a student of the game who does everything he can to improve.

"We always saw him as an extremely talented kid, and he's really coming into his own," Bush said. "Most importantly, he's becoming a real pro because he's studying offensive tackles and he's understanding schemes.

"He's really learning to study himself."

More opportunities

Williams, 24, has been doing his homework, and he has the grades to prove it. Over the past two seasons, Williams had 26 sacks, fourth best in the NFL.

His forced fumbles have doubled every year, including four in 2008.

And with Bush taking over as defensive coordinator, many expect Williams' numbers to jump."