Bryan Williams (American football)

Bryan Williams (born September 17, 1987) is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Akron.

Early life

He was born the son of Sterling Campbell. Bryan attended Buchtel High School in Akron, Ohio. His football talents were good enough to earn him a 3-Star rating, according to Rivals.com.^[1] During his time at Buchtell, he was a three-year starter and also lettered as a freshman. He was named first team All-Ohio Division III running back after rushing for 1,897 yards and 26 touchdowns in 11 games as a senior. As a cornerback, compiled 52 tackles and eight interceptions, returning one for a TD. He compiled 17 career interceptions, and was named the Plain Dealer Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named first team All-Beacon Journal. In four varsity seasons, Williams helped Buchtel to three city championships, three state playoff berths and a 34-11 record (.756). He was named to the PrepStar All-Midwest Region, and was rated one of the top 75 players in the Midwest region by SuperPrep. Rated the No. 30 prospect in Ohio by Rivals.com, as well as a top 60 cornerback. Rated Ohio's No. 32 prospect by Scout.com. He played under Coach Claude Brown, and was also a four-time letterman in track and a member of the Academic Merit Roll.^[2]

College career

Valley Forge Military Academy

He originally signed a letter of intent to play football at the University of Pittsburgh, but Williams failed to make it through the NCAA Clearinghouse and attended Valley Forge Military Academy. He also had offers from Akron, Minnesota, Kansas and Michigan State. After his first year at Valley Forge, he had once again signed to go to Pittsburgh, but was denied again. After he finished his 2nd year, he transferred to his local college, the University of Akron.

Akron

Williams saw extended time as Akron's starting running back in 2007. Williams was named third team All-Mid-American Conference both as a running back and return specialist in 2007. Despite being tabbed third team All-MAC as a running back in 2007, he moved to defense (strong safety) in the spring of 2008. He ranked second in the NCAA in kickoff return average and first in the MAC (31.90). His KOR average was additionally an Akron single-season record and ranked second on the MAC seasonal list (the record is 32.9 by Marshall’s James Williams in 1999).^[3]

Professional career

Cleveland Browns

Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009, by the Cleveland Browns to a 3-year contract,^[4] but he lasted only 2 months with the team, before being cut.^[5]

Marion Mayhem

After being cut by the Browns, Williams was signed by the Marion Mayhem, an indoor football team in the Continental Indoor Football League.^[6] The Mayhem lacked the financial ability to stay alive and folded with 4 games remaining in the 2010 season.

Fort Wayne FireHawks

Williams then signed to finish out the season with the not too distant Fort Wayne Firehawks, as well as a few other Mayhem players, including Mike Tatum. The FireHawks made the CIFL playoffs, and lost in the first round to the Wisconsin Wolfpack. Williams started both games in which he played for the FireHawks.^[7]

Marion Blue Racers

In 2011, Williams was again signed by an indoor football team. This time it was the Marion Blue Racers,^[8] who were owned and operated by former Pittsburgh Steeler LaMonte Coleman. The Blue Racers finished the regular season 8-2. Williams was named the CIFL's Defensive Player of the Week in Week 3. Williams led the league with 9 interceptions.^[9] The team would advance to the CIFL Championship Game, only to lose to the undefeated Cincinnati Commandos.

Pittsburgh Power

On July 8, 2011, Bryan Williams signed with the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League.^[10][11]

Edmonton Eskimos

Williams was signed by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League on June 23, 2013, but was later released that same day. On August 14 he was signed off of the teams practice roster and onto the Eskimos active roster.

Cleveland Gladiators

On October 24, 2014, Williams was assigned to the Cleveland Gladiators. He was placed on reassignment on March 30, 2015.

References

External links

• Edmonton Eskimos bio