Just a year ago, receiver LaQuan Williams was hoping to earn just a chance with an NFL team.

His alternatives were to continue working at a local paint store after graduating from the University of Maryland, or to enlist in the military. Now, Williams is one of a select few who can say they've played a game at M&T Bank Stadium in all three levels of football.

As a member of the Ravens he was present for two preseason contests, eight regular season games and one playoff game during the 2011 season. In college, his Terrapins played against Navy in Baltimore. In high school, at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, he played in the annual end-of-season rivalry game against City College, which is held at M&T Bank Stadium.

He's become someone local Baltimore high schoolers are now looking up to. Last week, former Ravens defensive tackle Larry Webster, who's the new head coach at his high school alma mater, brought 60 players from his varsity and JV teams down for a practice. Williams was excited to see Poly's players get a chance to see how far he's been able to make it.

"It was cool because I was that kid," Williams said. "Baltimore's been our team since I was there. I always dreamed of playing in the NFL and I actually got the chance to play for my home team. It was great to see those guys out there."

Williams made the team a year ago as the sixth receiver. This year, he's looking to become Baltimore's fourth option at the position. In 2011, he only caught four passes for 46 yards as his playing time was mostly limited to special teams.

With a full offseason under his belt, Williams is hoping those numbers increase dramatically this year.

"Mentally, I've learned a lot," Williams said. "Going through last year, we didn't have an offseason and got thrown into the fire. This year, with the offseason I got to get with Joe (Flacco), got a chance to get in the offense, watch more film and study the playbook, and learn timing. That helped me out a lot."

In Baltimore's third preseason game against Jacksonville, Williams caught two passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. The first pass he caught came in the third quarter on an underneath route. With a defender coming at him, Williams spun, avoiding the tackler who was suddenly face-down on the turf. Williams ran down the field for a 35-yard gain.

His next reception came two plays later on a one-on-one battle he won in the left corner of the end zone from eight yards away.

"I wanted to revamp my game," Williams said. "I wanted to get better at every aspect of my game. Quicker, stronger, faster, more intelligent. Learning how to be finesse, to be patient. I'm trying to get better on special teams as well."

With Baltimore implementing an uptempo no-huddle offense this season, Williams could see more time on the field and increased snaps. As a receiver, he's looking forward to the new philosophical approach and what it could mean to his production in 2012.

"We just want to go fast," Williams said. "That's something we're working on every day, trying to go fast and control the tempo of the game."

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.

No ad available