Name: 
Position: Linebacker
Number: 52
College: Stephen F. Austin
From: Garrison, Texas
High School Career: Was a three-year letter winner at Garrison High in Texas where he earned district newcomer of the year honors as a sophomore…Played running back and linebacker, earning All District as a running back in each of his final two seasons…Won the team’s Most Valuable Player honor as a senior…Finished as the school’s second all time leading rusher for a season with 1,491 yards in nine games and helped his team to an area championship in 2005…Played and lettered in basketball and track as well.
College Career: Finished as one of the most decorated players in Stephen F. Austin history…Was a two-time All American and two time all SLC selection at linebacker and won the 2010 SLC Defensive Player of the Year honor…Finished his college career with more than 400 tackles including 108 as a senior…Played in some games as a running back as a freshman, averaging 5 yards per carry after team was struck by injuries…Had a breakout season in 2008 as a sophomore when he led the conference with 132 tackles.
Need to Know: Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo has coached a little known linebacker from Stephen F. Austin before: Jeremiah Trotter. Williams and Trotter know each other a little bit and Trotter has actually served as a bit of a mentor for Williams.
He Said It:
“I was hoping, I was stressing but it was kind of in between. I didn’t know what to expect, so most of all it was just hope, hoping I would get drafted and somebody came through for me.” - Williams during draft weekend on the wait to hear his name called.
They Said It:
“He is a flexible guy. He can play both outside positions, not really a MIC. At this point, you are looking for guys – you are trying to be realistic – so when you get into the seventh round you are not thinking about starters per se. But you are looking for a special quality or a special teams value, somebody that on the roster can be of value on special teams.” – Rams GM Billy Devaney on Williams.
“The last guy I coached from Stephen F. Austin was Jeremiah Trotter, who is a pretty good linebacker. Jabara actually knows him a little bit. He played mostly inside linebacker but we’ll play him outside. He’s a big kid that can run, Tom McMahon is excited about him as a special teams player so again we think can help us out.” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo on Williams.
Outlook: Played all three linebacker spots at various times in college but will be expected to work exclusively outside for the Rams. He’ll be asked to contribute on special teams right away but there is an opportunity for a young linebacker to earn a spot on the weak side where the Rams figure to have a heated battle in camp.
