Justin Williams - One Final Hurrah
Saturday, November 20, 2010 | Football
By Amanda Brooks, UF Communications
For redshirt senior Justin Williams, running through the tunnel at The Swamp for the last five years has been a blessing. Every home game, Williams slips his helmet on and races onto the field where 90,000 strong are waiting to cheer on the Gators.
As Williams runs through one last time against Appalachian State this afternoon, the Folkston, Ga., native has many thoughts running through his mind as he dons the Orange and Blue in The Swamp one final time.
“I really want to thank my family, friends and coaches for always supporting me and my dream to play for the University of Florida,” Williams said. “I've been here five years and I've given 100 percent every day, every practice and every period for this team.”
Williams has started to come into his own as his redshirt senior season progresses, snagging a 19-yard reception from redshirt freshman Jordan Reed against Vanderbilt in the Gators' 55-14 win over the Commodores.
“Justin's been such a utility guy since we've been here; he's so valuable to our program,” UF wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni acknowledged. “He's on every special teams unit, he can work at Z, he can work at H, he can work at P — he can work all those places. So that makes him so valuable. Some guys can only play one or two positions, he can play them all. So, he'll be a guy that will rotate in there, and he'll be a guy that will go into any position that I need him to go into.”
“A goal that I set for myself this year was that I wanted to score more touchdowns and take more of a leadership role on special teams,” Williams noted. “I think I've become a leader, especially being here for five years, and I still have a few games to catch that touchdown.”
Williams recorded a pair of touchdown catches last season, snagging his first career touchdown from redshirt junior quarterback John Brantley in the Gators' season-opening win against Charleston Southern. His second visit to the end zone came from Brantley once again, a 16-yard scoring toss against FIU.
Having played in 44 games as a Gator, Williams is an experienced veteran on this year's squad. He plays an integral part on special teams and his advice for incoming newcomers is simple: “work hard, give it everything you got and you will grow and succeed as a player and a man.”
While Williams notes the importance of Florida football on the formation of his character and his own development, he is quick to reference his major as having a strong impact on his future.
“Being a Family, Youth and Community Sciences major has set me up to have a successful future,” Williams said. “I really want to work with kids once I graduate and I have learned so much about how to help those individuals that the major focuses on: families, youth and communities. That's so important for the future.”
Back to the present, Williams is currently focused on his final game in The Swamp. As he runs through the tunnel one last time, he thinks about one last group of people he would like to thank: the fans.
“Florida Football wouldn't be where it is today without the support of our fans. They come out and support us, home and away, and stay for the entire game. I think I speak for not only the seniors, but for all of us in saying thanks to the fans for always coming and supporting us, win or lose,” Williams said.
It is certain that Gator Nation is equally thankful for its seniors as they take to the field, running into The Swamp one last time.
