Running backs coach Ron Gould has already noticed strides taken in those areas during OTAs, and also discussed observations from [Blake Corum](/team/players-roster/blake-corum/) and [Jarquez Hunter](/team/players-roster/jarquez-hunter/) with theRams.com. When asked about the group at large, which also includes Williams, Corum, Hunter, Ronnie Rivers, Cody Schrader and Jordan Waters, Gould said he's been "pleased" with how all of the running backs have done this spring.
**Williams showing improved explosiveness**
Williams' 27 explosive rushes (10-plus yards) ranked tied for 11th in the NFL last season, but were the second-fewest of any running back with over 250 carries (he had 316). Meanwhile, his five fumbles tied for the second-most among running backs.
But after a few months away from the facility, Williams showed up in "exceptional shape," Gould told theRams.com.
"The first thing that stood out to us was his explosiveness," Gould said. "... One of the things (I noticed) was just his ability to stay grounded through some of his runs that was really, really evident in the work that he's put in, so really, really pleased with that."
Williams and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have had an ongoing dialogue with the Rams' front office about a potential extension this offseason, as Williams enters the final year of his rookie deal. Still, Williams was a constant presence at voluntary workouts, sporting his signature grin and bringing the younger players up to speed.
From guiding the rest of the running back room through drills to spreading his infectious energy, vintage Williams was on full display during OTAs.
"You talk about leadership, that's what that's all about," Gould said, "So he's done a great job of uniting the guys, bringing everybody together, and making sure that we all stay on the same page."
**Corum has "gotten his speed back"**
After fracturing his forearm against the Seahawks in Week 18, Corum is back on the field making defenders miss. Not only is he back to full health, but he's shown improvement from last season.
"He's gotten his speed back, so his explosiveness has come back," Gould said. "We had a chance to just see that, and then his ability to come out of cuts, which is something that we saw in the junior year and part of his senior year."
Similar to Williams, Corum has displayed more explosive tendencies during training camp than he did last season. And after the Rams ranked 29th in explosive rushes last season, that's an area where they would welcome some improvement in 2025.
**Hunter has excellent speed and "attention to detail"**
If the Rams want more chunk gains on the ground, Hunter can provide. Last season at Auburn, the 5-foot-9, 204-pound speedster broke off 42 explosive rushes, ranking eighth in the FBS.