Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame
One of the most heralded safeties to play in Spangler Stadium, Williams' Hall of Fame career was one for the record books. A former prep quarterback, Williams earned his reputation as a hard-hitting safety very early in Boiling Springs. He emerged as a star in 2002, earning Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and Division I-AA All-America honors after leading Gardner-Webb to a 9-1 record and a final top-20 national ranking. Williams followed that campaign up with a better one, repeating as Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earning another round of Division I-AA All-America accolades. His senior season was cut short by injury, but Williams still earned All-Big South Conference honors for the third consecutive season. When he was finished, Williams totaled 326 career tackles – which remains the top total in program history for a defensive back. He also broke up 35 passes – including a career-high 15 in 2003 – which is the top career mark in Gardner-Webb history. Williams went on to enjoy a successful professional career in Germany, beginning in NFL Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy.
