On Monday, former Hidden Valley standout running back David Williams signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at the U.S. Naval Academy.
The signing came a few weeks after Williams received a congressional appointment at the Naval Academy, along with an offer to play football for the Midshipmen, who went 10-4 in 2009, defeating Notre Dame and Missouri (in the Texas Bowl) and coming within minutes of upsetting Rose Bowl champ Ohio State.
Before the start of the season, no one was quite sure what the Titans had in Williams. During his first three seasons on the team, Williams was second on the depth chart behind David Turner.
But when he got his chance, Williams didn’t disappoint, rushing for over 2,500 yards and 23 touchdowns, and averaging nearly eight yards per carry. He was named First Team All-State for Group AA.
“He had a year that might not happen again in the Roanoke Valley for a long time,” Titans Head Coach Scott Weaver said. “For him to do what he did, putting up those numbers even though most teams we played knew we wanted to run the ball a lot, it was pretty amazing.”
At Navy, Williams may be used as a wingback or a fullback. Weaver is certain he can play either position.
“I told the coaches if they wanted him to show up for camp weighing 205 to play fullback, then he’ll show up at 205 and play fullback,” he said. “On the other hand, if they want him to show up at 185 and play wingback, then he’ll do that, too. That’s just the type of kid he is – he’s so determined.”
Williams will join his brother, Matt, who will be a junior at the Academy and competes on the Sprint Team, as well as former Titan wide receiver Matt Aiken, who will be a sophmore on the football team.
But before football, Williams will still have to complete the brutal Plebe Summer Program in Annapolis, Maryland.
While sure to be difficult, the program shouldn’t be impossible for an athlete like Williams to complete. In addition to his spectacular football season, Williams recently won the Region IV Division 4 wrestling title, and is considered a favorite to capture the state crown.
By Matt Reeve [email protected]