William Buchanon...

[Angry Pope]

Since he is doing well in camp and in his limited time in the game, here is some info on him....

William Buchanon, WR

Southern California

OVERVIEW

The son of former Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers All-Pro cornerback Willie Buchanon, William Buchanon has the same blazing speed and incredible leaping ability that his father showed in earning three Pro Bowl appearances. The younger Buchanon only started three games during his Southern California career, but his versatility and quickness bailed the team out of jams when injuries hit the secondary and receiving corps.

Buchanon was 2000 Super Prep, Prep Star and Student Sports Senior All-American pick at Oceanside High School. He added Prep Star Dream Team, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-Western Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, Las Vegas Sun Super 11, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF San Diego Section and All-Avocado League Co-MVP honors as a senior.

Buchanon had 30 receptions for 553 yards (18.4 avg) and five touchdowns as Oceanside was 9-4-1 in 2000. As a junior, he caught 24 passes for 553 yards (23.0 avg) and five scores, leading the team to the CIF San Diego Section Division II title. He made 30 catches for 302 yards (10.2 avg) as a sophomore. In his career, he caught 90-plus passes for 1,621 yards and 15 scores. He also had five career interceptions as a defensive back. He also was on the track team, with bests of 11.19 seconds in the 100-meters, 22.73 in the 200-meters, 48.6 in the 400-meters, 21-10 ¾ in the long jump and 43-11 in the triple jump.

Buchanon saw brief action as a wide receiver in Southern California's first two games of the 2001 season, but a back sprain vs. Kansas State would sideline him the rest of the year. He began the 2002 campaign as a reserve receiver, but moved to cornerback and earned three mid-season starting assignments. Buchanon posted a career-high 19 tackles (17 solos) with a stop for a loss and six pass deflections.

Buchanon appeared in seven games as a reserve cornerback and receiver in 2003. He made three solo tackles with an interception before a back sprain vs. Washington State would force him to miss the team's final four games. He spent the 2004 campaign as a reserve receiver, catching four passes for 15 yards (3.8 avg) in twelve games.

As a senior, Buchanon played on both sides of the ball and on special teams. He posted one solo tackle and had an interception. In 43 games at Southern California, Buchanon started three times. He finished with 23 tackles (21 solos), a stop for a 4-yard loss, two interceptions and six pass deflections. He also caught four passes for 15 yards (3.8 avg) and fielded a punt return for no gain.


ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a lean, angular frame with good muscle development, broad shoulders, good bubble, long arms and minimal body fat...Smooth runner with the flexibility, body control and agility to change direction instantly...Competitive athlete who plays with good effort and competes hard in special teams coverage...As a defensive back, he has a decent feel for the game, reacting quickly to the pass...Effective playing off the receiver or in press coverage, staying tight on his man in both...Has solid ball skills in man coverage and times his leaps well going for the jump ball...Runs step for step with the receiver on deep routes and has tremendous acceleration to close...Works well to avoid blocks in run force...Flashes the ability to strike the opponent with adequate force...As a receiver, he gets off the line in a hurry, generating a quick burst...Has the bulk and upper body strength to beat the jam...Better working underneath, as he runs tight and sharp short area routes...Has the burst to separate and the second gear to explode past the defender...Runs quick, sharp routes and uses his long arms well to reach and pluck the ball away from the frame...Tough pass catcher in a crowd and has the frame to control his area...Best asset as a receiver is his strong burst after the catch to break tackles.

Negatives: Has a long history of injuries that kept him out of seventeen games during his career...Back injury needs further evaluation...On defense, he struggles some working the zone and looks lost when having to switch off on his assignment...Not involved much in run support and prefers to avoid blocks rather than take them on and use his hands to shed...Looks tentative making the tackle, ducking his head at times before making contact...On offense, he rounds his cuts on up field routes and flies around the field too much rather than stay in his route...Can extend for the ball, but prefers to let it come into his body when working in a crowd...His short, quick stride limits his ability to be a consistent deep threat...Has some upper body stiffness adjusting for the off-target passes.


AGILITY NOTES

Campus: 4.38 in the 40-yard dash...40-inch vertical jump...4.15 20-yard shuttle...6.85 three-cone drill.



INJURY REPORT

2001: Suffered a back strain in the second game of the season vs. Kansas State, missing the rest of the year.

2002: Did not play vs. Arizona State after spraining his neck vs. Stanford.

2003: Sat out the team's final four games after spraining his back vs. Washington State.

2005: Did not play vs. Washington due to a hip flexor strain suffered vs. Notre Dame.


CAREER NOTES

Played on both sides of the ball as a sophomore and senior.



HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Oceanside (Cal.) High School, earning 2000 Super Prep, Prep Star and Student Sports Senior All-American honors...Added Prep Star Dream Team, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-Western Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, Las Vegas Sun Super 11, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF San Diego Section and All-Avocado League Co-MVP honors as a senior...Had 30 receptions for 553 yards (18.4 avg) and five touchdowns as Oceanside was 9-4-1 in 2000...As a junior, he caught 24 passes for 553 yards (23.0 avg) and five scores, leading the team to the CIF San Diego Section Division II title...Made 30 catches for 302 yards (10.2 avg) as a sophomore...In his career, he caught 90-plus passes for 1,621 yards and fifteen scores...Also had five career interceptions as a defensive back...Was on the track team, with bests of 11.19 seconds in the 100-meters, 22.73 in the 200-meters, 48.6 in the 400-meters, 21-10 ¾ in the long jump and 43-11 in the triple jump.



PERSONAL

African American Studies major...Father, Willie, was a 1971 All-American cornerback at San Diego State and a three-time Pro Bowler (1973-74, '78) during his eleven-year (1972-82) NFL career, the first seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers (member of Green Bay's All-Century team) and the last four with the San Diego Chargers (he also prepped at Oceanside)...His father's second cousin is former Trojan fullback C.R. Roberts (1955-56)...Born 4/05/83...Resides in Oceanside, California.

 

[Angry Pope]

A Quiet Leader


William Buchanon

By Damien Breaux

Date: Dec 26, 2005

Quick, name the fastest player on the USC roster. I’ll give you a hint: he can play multiple positions, and his last name starts with a “B.” If you said Reggie Bush, you’re close. He’s the second fastest Trojan. Meet William Buchanon, the wide receiver turned cornerback…turned wide receiver. But you would never know just how quick he is; Buchanon isn’t one to tout his own accomplishments.

“I ran a 4.26 (in the 40-yard dash) in the summer,” he said, though he didn’t volunteer the fastest Trojan part of the story without being prodded. “I don’t talk about it though. It’s not a big deal. It’s not like me to talk about that stuff.” And that pretty much sums up Will Buchanon: he quietly goes about his business, does his part to help the team, and never seeks personal recognition.

By all accounts, Will was destined to play football. His father, Willie, was a 1971 All-American at San Diego State before playing in 3 Pro Bowls during an 11-year NFL career. With genes like that come expectations. You would think that would put added pressure on Will, but according to him, that’s not the case.

“I don’t see it as extra pressure, no. He’s someone I can talk to about football, but there’s no added pressure.”

Pressure or not, Buchanon wasted no time in making a name for himself. During his years at Oceanside High School, he caught more than ninety passes, averaging almost twenty yards per reception. On defense, he intercepted five passes and returned one for a score. In 2000, his senior season, he was named a Super Prep All-American, and was the co-MVP of the Avocado League. Then came the recruiting process.

“I wanted to go someplace that was still close to home, but far enough away to be on my own,” he said. “I definitely wanted to stay in California. It really came down to USC and UCLA. When I visited, I don’t know, I guess I was just feeling SC more. It felt right. And no regrets, obviously.”

And thus began William’s long cardinal and gold journey through college football. It’s had its ups and its downs, but throughout it all, he has remained positive.

In his first couple years on campus, Will simply couldn’t shake the injury bug. As a freshman, he was able to get his feet wet in USC’s first two games, but a lower back sprain held him out the rest of the season. It wasn’t exactly the way Buchanon had imagined his career beginning.

“It was tough, man. That back injury was early, I ended up redshirting. I couldn’t even practice until bowl preparations. It was really hard.” As if that wasn’t hard enough, William had to stand by and watch his teammates lose a close game to Utah, 10-6, in the Las Vegas Bowl.

The next season took on a different feel. Preseason injuries led to depth concerns at cornerback, and Buchanon was switched to defense. In USC’s third game, at Kansas State, starting corner Ronald Nunn went down, and Will was tossed into the fire. It was a learning experience for the entire team, as a late rally came up just short. But Will took the loss personally.

“That K-State game a few years ago is probably my least favorite memory as a Trojan. I wish I could’ve done more to help my team. I was a freshman, and it was just a tough game. It’s not a fun one to think about.”

Despite the loss, the Trojans went on to finish 11-2, and #4 in the country. An Orange Bowl victory over Iowa capped the dream season. It was USC’s announcement to the college football world that the sleeping giant had awoken…Troy was back, and Will had been a part of it.

In 2003, the coaching staff switched Will back to offense midseason, and he never complained.

“Wide receiver is my first love. But I really enjoy playing DB too, so wherever they need me, I’m happy to play. I can’t say that I favor one over the other, just whatever they need.” Unfortunately, for the third season in a row, William suffered a serious injury when he sprained his back prior to the Washington State game (he had also sprained his neck in the 2002 season).

Luckily, since that time Buchanon has remained relatively injury free. He has also found a home at wide receiver, where he has stayed since 2003.

As William matured into an upper classman, he realized that the younger players would be looking to him, and the other older players, to set the example. And he has embraced that role with his work ethic, not his mouth. Will understands that actions speak louder than words, and he has dedicated himself to this team. Hard work is what earns you respect in Troy, and there’s a reason Will’s teammates admire him. The 2005 season brought Will’s favorite memory as a football player, and one that Trojan students, fans, and alums will not soon forget. October 15th in South Bend, Indiana. The streak on the line. The rivalry restored to its previous level of glory. The nation watching. We all know what happened.

“Celebrating on the field after the Notre Dame game, that was the best moment of my career,” Buchanon said. “We sealed the victory, it was incredible. I can’t even describe it. Just an amazing feeling.”

It’s a story he will be telling his grandchildren one day. Heck, it’s a story we fans will be telling our grandchildren, and most of us weren’t lucky enough to be there.

As great as that day was though, Will prefers to look forward: “We’ve still got one more left to finish this thing,” he said. January 4th in Pasadena, the Trojans will be shooting for history. The hype has already spiraled out of control, and this year’s team is being compared with some of the all time greats. But the attention doesn’t phase Buchanon or his teammates.

“It’s not hard to stay focused. I don’t even think about the streak. I didn’t even know it was at 34 straight games until I saw it on the news the other day. We don’t talk about it, because it doesn’t matter. The next game is what counts.”

Speaking of the next game, what does USC have to do to beat the Longhorns? According to Will, it takes more of the same.

“We prepare like we always do. We treat every game the same. It’s not about the other team or where the game is played. It’s about us. We have to do the little stuff right. D-line shooting gaps, receivers hanging onto passes, and all that. We do the little stuff right, pay attention to the details, and hopefully the victory takes care of itself.”

Following the Rose Bowl, and what hopefully will be his third national title, Will plans to begin a workout regiment designed to get him ready for the NFL combine.

“After the game I’ll take about a week off, then go back home to start working with a trainer. I have to get ready for the combine and that stuff. So hopefully that all works out. That’d be nice. And if not, I’ll probably get into real estate in the San Diego area. That’s the other plan.”

NFL or real estate, Trojan fans will be wishing Will the best of luck in his future endeavors. He’s been through ups and downs, offense and defense, wins and (thankfully) very few losses. He has always worked hard and earned his way. And as his collegiate career draws to a close, Will has some words of advice for future Trojans: “Work hard. Bust your butt and listen to the coaches. It takes awhile to adjust to the time demands of playing and schoolwork, but once you do, it’s alright. Most importantly, cherish your four years here, because it’ll fly by and you don’t get it back.”

No matter what happens on the fourth of January, Troy is proud to call Will one of their own. He’s embodied the Trojan spirit, and represented USC with class. Fight on, William!

 

[Angry Pope]

William Buchanon

Class:

Senior

Hometown:

Oceanside, Calif.

High School:

Oceanside HS

Height / Weight:

6-3 / 185

Position:

WR

Birthdate:

04/05/1983

Experience:

3V



2005: Buchanon, who also has seen action at cornerback in his career (where he has starting experience), will serve as a backup wide receiver as a senior in 2005.

2004: Buchanon was a reserve wide receiver as a junior in 2004. Overall in 2004 while seeing action in 12 games (all but UCLA), he had 4 catches for 15 yards (3.8 avg.). He caught 2 passes for 11 yards versus Arizona.

2003: Buchanon began his 2003 sophomore season as a backup cornerback, but was switched back to backup wide receiver by mid-season. Overall in 2003 while seeing action in 7 games (all but California, Washington State, Arizona, UCLA and Oregon State), he made 3 tackles, an interception and a deflection on defense, but didn't have a catch on offense. He suffered a sprained back prior to the Washington State game and missed USC's last 4 games. He had 2 tackles and the interception against Stanford.

2002: Buchanon came into his 2002 redshirt freshman season as a backup wide receiver, but was moved to cornerback in the pre-season when injuries hit the secondary. He made an immediate impression, even starting 3 mid-season games (Oregon State, Washington State, California) when Ronald Nunn got hurt (he saw significant action at Kansas State when Nunn was injured early in that game). Overall in 2002 while appearing in 11 games (all but Auburn and Arizona State), he had 19 tackles, including 1 for a loss of 4 yards, and 6 deflections. He had 4 tackles at Kansas State and 3 deflections at Washington State. He sprained his neck at Stanford and missed the Arizona State game.

2001: Buchanon saw brief action at wide receiver in USC's first 2 games (San Jose State and Kansas State) of 2001, his first year at USC, but then a lower back sprain sidelined him for the rest of the season. The early-season injury allowed him to redshirt. He did not catch a pass.

HIGH SCHOOL: He earned 2000 Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Student Sports Senior All-American, Prep Star Dream Team, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-Western Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF San Diego Section first team and All-Avocado League Co-MVP honors as a senior at Oceanside (Calif.) High. He had 30 receptions for 553 yards (18.4 avg.) and 5 TDs in 2000. Oceanside was 9-4-1 in 2000.

As a 1999 junior, he caught 24 passes for 553 yards (23.0 avg.) and 5 TDs as Oceanside won the CIF San Diego Section Division II title.

He made 30 catches for 302 yards (10.2 avg.) as a 1998 sophomore.

In his career, he caught 90-plus passes for 1,621 yards and 15 scores. He also had 5 career interceptions (1 for a TD) as a defensive back in his career.

He also was on the track team at Oceanside, with bests of 11.19 in the 100 meters, 22.73 in the 200 meters, 48.6 in the 400 meters, 21-10 ¾ in the long jump and 43-11 in the triple jump.

PERSONAL: He's an African American studies major at USC. His father, Willie, was a 1971 All-American cornerback at San Diego State who was a 3-time Pro Bowler during his 11-year (1972-82) NFL career, the first 7 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and the last 4 with the San Diego Chargers (he also prepped at Oceanside). Willie's second cousin is former Trojan fullback C.R. Roberts (1955-56).

WILLIAM BUCHANON ON:

His father, Willie:

"People I talk to said he was like the Deion Sanders of his day."

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

Former USC wide receiver Kareem Kelly:

"There are balls that may seem out of range for him, but he has such a long frame that everything is within range for him."

 

[Angry Pope]

Two longshots making hay for Raiders
Buchanon gets more action with Silver and Black than at USC

Jerry McDonald

NAPA — Will Buchanon spent his college career at USC being shuttled from cornerback to wide receiver, with injuries halting any real progress toward becoming a full-time starter.
When the Trojans lost to Texas 41-38 in the Rose Bowl, Buchanon suited up but never got in the game.

Timi Wusu, meanwhile, was moving between safety and linebacker at Stanford, with hamstring and knee injuries keeping him from realizing his dream to become a front-line player at a Pac-10 school.

After Wusu walked off the field at Stanford Stadium for the last time following a 38-31 loss to Notre Dame, he was planning on enrolling in medical school.

Although longshots to make the roster of the Oakland Raiders, Buchanon and Wusu helped their odds in a 16-10from Sports 1


loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Hall of Fame Game.

Buchanon, having put his days as a cornerback in his rearview mirror, caught four passes for 50 yards and has been a steady and sometimes spectacular player in practice.

During one late Tuesday afternoon, Buchanon demonstrated the ability that made him heavily recruited out of Oceanside High, reaching out with his right hand for a pass that appeared to be overthrown and catching it effortlessly, with the point of the ball sticking in his palm.

"At USC I had my doubts because I wasn't playing as much as I wanted," Buchanon said after practice Tuesday evening. "It's hard to keep your confidence up. But I always knew I could perform. I'm thankful for the chance to show the world what Will Buchanon can do."

Wusu led the Raiders with six tackles — four as an outside linebacker and two on special teams.

Coach Art Shell said that while Buchanon's game wasn't error-free, his performance in the game and in camp has been impressive.

"Willie keeps showing up and making plays in practice," Shell said. "Every time you look up, there's No.13 catching the ball."

As for Wusu, Shell said, "The guy was into the game, around the ball all the time. He's kind of quiet, and doesn't say too much, but then all of a sudden he's out there making plays."

Before writing off the chances of Buchanon, Wusu or any of Oakland's other undrafted free agents, consider the Raiders' roster had 11 players who were not drafted: defensive back Chris Carr, linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba, fullback John Paul Foschi, defensive end Bobby Hamilton, guard Corey Hulsey, linebacker Grant Irons, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, guard Barry Sims, tackle Chad Slaughter and tight end Randal Williams.

Buchanon finished his career at USC with just four catches for 15 yards. On defense, Buchanon started three games in four seasons and had 23 tackles.

The son of three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Willie Buchanon, Buchanon accepted his revolving-door role without complaint.

"The guy never said a bad word," said John Carroll, Buchanon's coach at Oceanside. "He's the kind of kid who says, 'OK, you want me to play defense, I'll play defense. You want me to play offense, I'll play offense.'"

"I've known the kid for a number of years, and I don't think I've ever heard him say a bad word about anything or anybody."

Raiders safety Michael Huff, the No.7 pick in the draft, was surprised to learn Buchanon went to USC.

"I asked (rookie linebacker) Darnell Bing if he played in our game (against USC), and he said no, he didn't get any reps," Huff said. "When you see him making the plays he's making out here, that's hard to believe."

Buchanon said it never occurred to him to be a voice of dissent.

"I'm not one to stir up problems for a program," Buchanon said. "I consider myself a team guy. Everyone wants to be a superstar, but not everyone can be. It wasn't my time. Now I have an opportunity to shine a little bit."

Wusu, a football and track star at Palo Alto High, was accepted at Princeton but opted to walk-on at Stanford, later earning a scholarship. He was a decathlete on the track team until his sophomore year before he switched full time to football, eventually earning a scholarship.

Wusu still plans on being a doctor but put off medical school to give the NFL a chance.

"I know it's a long shot, but the thing is, coming here is a lot like walking on at Stanford. The parallels are there," Wusu said. "The mentality is the same — you keep working hard, you get a shot. It might be a little one — but if you make the most of it, you get another one."

EXTRA POINTS: Cornerbacks Tyrone Poole (hamstring) and Duane Starks (back) returned to practice, although in a limited fashion. WR Jerry Porter practiced in a team session, catching a pass from Marques Tuiasosopo. ... Shell said he was waiting for word from trainer Rod Martin as to when WR Ronald Curry would be cleared to practice. ... Players who didn't practice included WR Kevin McMahan (jaw-tongue), DB Raymond Washington (hamstring), LB Rickey Brown (hamstring), TE James Adkisson (knee), LB Robert Thomas (calf) and WR Carlos Francis (hamstring). ... The Raiders resume two-a-day practices today.

 

[Angry Pope]

Rookie receiver Buchanon coming out of the shadows


NAPA, Calif. - Playing on a national championship team in college that included the likes of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart and LenDale White, it was easy for Oakland Raiders' receiver Will Buchanon to get lost in the shuffle.

Buchanon even finds it a comfortable position being buried this year on a Raiders depth chart with established veterans Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Doug Gabriel and Alvis Whitted ahead of him.

"I'm used to having people thrown ahead of me," said Buchanon, a seldom-used receiver who doubled as a cornerback at USC. "Being behind Moss and Porter and Doug helps me. Coming from college to the NFL is a big change and having them in front of me so I can watch and (have) them leading me, I have no regrets."

Buchanon, whose father Willie was a three-time Pro Bowl defensive back for Green Bay in the 1970s, has proven to be a quick study.

After drawing praise from Oakland's coaching staff for making several leaping catches during the first two weeks of training camp, the 23-year-old receiver was the Raiders' most impressive offensive player in the 16-10 preseason win over Philadelphia on Sunday.

Buchanon, who didn't catch a single pass during his senior year at USC and had just four for 15 yards during his entire college career, grabbed four receptions for 50 yards and provided the spark for the Raiders' backups to rally past the Eagles.

Buchanon was at it again Wednesday in practice when he beat ninth-year veteran cornerback Duane Starks down the sidelines and grabbed a pass from backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, turning it into a 60-yard touchdown reception.

"He keeps showing up," Oakland coach Art Shell said. "All of a sudden you're looking up and there's number 13 catching the ball and doing something. We need guys like that to continue to work hard and keep getting the attention of the coaches, and then who knows what's going to happen down the road."

Buchanon's teammates also have noticed the effort.

"It's just based on who wants it the most, that's it," Gabriel said. "It looks like (Buchanon) wants it the most. So that's a person who wants an opportunity. If he wants it, then go ahead and get it."

Buchanon's path to the NFL doesn't seem nearly as daunting as it did nearly three weeks ago when he began practice as an undrafted free agent. Injuries to Porter (calf) and Carlos Francis (hamstring) cleared up some of the congestion ahead of him on the depth chart.

Porter also has been given permission by the Raiders to seek a trade. Porter led the Raiders with 76 receptions in 2005 but has not spoken with Shell since the two had a falling out in March over where Porter would do his offseason workouts.

None of that matters much to Buchanon, who is content staying out of the spotlight.

"Being a superstar has its ups and downs," Buchanon said. "Being in the shadows, I got a chance to come into my own, just handle business without much publicity or trouble and just do what I do. I'm just trying to show the coaches here that I can play and if they give me a chance, I'm not going to let them down."

---

NOTES: Rookie wide receiver Kevin McMahan did not practice Wednesday and is still suffering the lingering effects of a slight concussion he suffered in the Hall of Fame game against the Eagles.

 

[Angry Pope]

Keep on wanting it kid, I like you already.

 

[Crossbones]

it's a nice story but all I see here is another Kenny Shedd story.

This guy will be very lucky to be around after the final cuts.

 

[Angry Pope]

Between him and Wusu, I say that he Buchanon has the better chance. I see Buchanon following the Ron Curry path and put on the practice squad. The only other possibility is that he takes Carlos Francis spot as the sixth wideout.

 

[Crossbones]

Carlos Francis.

Done.

Too small and too fragile.

Nice try anyway.

He's FAST!

 

[Angry Pope]

Buchanon played mostly CB in college so we may have an untapped potential here. He already has the speed and the size and the mindset to become a good receiver. I think he has a chance to rise like Curry did.