[Tuck4Bama]

For whatever postseason honors may come his way, Chris Williams is most concerned with earning the confidence of the person he's charged with protecting.

The Vanderbilt senior left tackle provides blindside protection for Commodore quarterback Chris Nickson — and has done so for 13 consecutive games now. Williams hasn't given up a sack since the 2006 season-opener at Michigan.

"I tell Chris he should be able to stay in the pocket all day," said Williams, an Outland Trophy and all-America candidate, as Vanderbilt prepared for Saturday's Southeastern Conference game against visiting Ole Miss.

"I think Chris has gotten very comfortable with being back there and has gotten confident with me that he's not going to get hit in the back of the head."

With his combination of size and athleticism, the Commodore coaching staff envisioned Williams becoming a stellar performer at the position — even as far back as high school.

Williams gives quarterbacks a safe feeling - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 09/13/07