Penn State used Derrick Williams here, there and everywhere his freshman season.

Since then: not so much.

Williams has learned to become a pure receiver. Based on his production on the field, it's become evident that it's been a learning process. But, if the past two weeks are any indication -- he's had back-to-back career highs in receiving yards -- he's got a better grasp of the position.

Williams has insisted that nothing has strayed in Penn State's gameplan; he's simply getting open and quarterback Anthony Morelli has made the passes. Perhaps it goes back to the idea that Williams is still getting acclimated at wideout.

"Definitely, people have seen these last few games, he's definitely come on as a receiver," wide receiver Deon Butler said. "He's come on in his pure receiving skills."

Penn State still ranks 70th nationally in passing offense, a low number given the much-hyped talent at receiver and quarterback positions. That works out this week because Michigan State is 61st nationally in pass defense, so it will be another good opportunity for Williams and the receiving corps to step up.

Expectation will likely remain high for Williams, especially as this year wraps up and turns into the 2008 season.

"I think it took a little time for him to transition, but you're seeing his hard work pay off now," wide receiver Terrell Golden said.

It's been some time coming for Nittany Lions fans expecting those performances from Williams, who was the nation's No. 1 high school prospect three years ago. But, in high school, Williams played quarterback and had to learn receiver when he came to State College.

Not a whole lot changed upon his arrival. His progress may have been delayed because of the 2005 offensive system.

That, players said, could be attributed to Michael Robinson. The former Penn State quarterback might've been detrimental to Williams' development as a receiver.

Robinson's mobility was such an important dynamic to the Lions' offense that it changed the way defenses played against Penn State. That's changed with current quarterback Anthony Morelli, who doesn't pose the same running threat.

"It makes a lot of difference," Butler said. "You see a lot less man coverages. Mike was always able to break a run or so, I think, a lot less man coverage, a lot less deeper safeties taking away from our big-play ability because they don't have to account for our quarterback."

That, in turn, affected the receivers -- in particular Williams.

"This year Derrick's not getting reverses, he's not running the option," Butler said. "You're not going to see the same numbers. He definitely had to learn to just become a pure receiver."