Wendall Williams (born September 18, 1990) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at University of the Cumberlands and was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He made many media headlines after he broke the 40-yard dash record, with a time of 4.19 seconds unofficially.[1][2][3]
| No. 82 | |||||||||
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| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | September 18, 1990 Syracuse, New York | ||||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 185 lb (84 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Syracuse (NY) Bishop Ludden | ||||||||
| College: | University of the Cumberlands | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2016 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  United States |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 186 lb (84 kg) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track & Field |
| Event | Sprint |
| College team | Cumberlands Patriots |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal bests |
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Early life
editWilliams was born to Claudine Clarke, in Syracuse, New York. He attended Bishop Ludden High School, where he played competitive football and track. In his junior season, he totaled 17 receiving touchdowns, and tallied 28 more as a senior. However, Williams struggled academically, which deterred many colleges from recruiting him. Therefore, he committed to play football at Morrisville State College.
College career
editWilliams signed with Division III Morrisville State College, where he played football for the Mustangs. After his freshman season, he totaled 30 receptions for 515 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, he left Morrisville State the following year, due to his clashes with the coach. He subsequently enrolled at Onondaga Community College, where he attended for two semesters.[4] He then transferred to Hudson Valley Community College, later dropping out after losing his financial aid package for dropping too many classes. He then worked as a truck driver, and did not continue his athletic career. When Williams was 21, he received a call from family friend Will Dowdell, encouraging Williams to continue his athletic career in college. Motivated, Williams enrolled at Herkimer County Community College, playing basketball and track for the Generals. While at Herkimer, he was a captain of the basketball team, shooting 71 percent from the field, while pursuing an associate degree in business sports management. He accepted an offer to University of the Cumberlands, where he enrolled with two remaining years of athletic eligibility. Williams started at wide receiver during his junior and senior seasons, and competed on the track team, participating in the 100 and 200 meter dash, as well as the long jump. As the University of the Cumberlands' primary receiver in his final season, Williams accounted for 48.3% of the team's receiving yards and touchdowns on 30.5 yards per reception.[5]
Professional career
editHouston Texans
editWilliams was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2016.[6] He was released by the Texans on September 3, 2016, during final roster cuts.[7]
New York Jets
editWilliams was signed to the Jets' practice squad on September 12, 2016.[8] He was released on September 28, 2016.[9]
Houston Texans (second stint)
editWilliams was signed to the Texans' practice squad on November 9, 2016.[10] He was promoted to the active roster on December 13, 2016.[11] During his second stint, he played in 2 games recording 4 catches for 75 yards.
On September 2, 2017, Williams was waived by the Texans after breaking his collarbone in a preseason game.[12]
References
edit- ^ "The story behind 4.19: Wendell Williams creates a draft buzz". Cincinnati.com. March 7, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ^ "NFL Draft - Cumberlands player Wendall Williams runs 4.19-second 40-yard dash at NFL Regional Combine". The Courier-Journal. March 5, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ^ "NFL hopeful Wendall Williams of Syracuse: 'Four seconds changed my life'". syracuse.com. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ^ Fairburn, Matthew (March 6, 2016). "Syracuse native Wendall Williams breaks record at NFL Regional Scouting Combine". Syracuse.com. The Post-Standard. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ^ "Wendall Williams Advanced Stats and Metrics Profile: College Dominator Rating". PlayerProfiler.com.
- ^ "Texans sign 3 draft picks, 15 undrafted free agents". HoustonTexans.com. May 6, 2016. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ "TRANSACTIONS: Texans down to 53-man roster". HoustonTexans.com. September 3, 2016. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ Allen, Eric (September 12, 2016). "Jets Make 4 Practice Squad Moves". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
- ^ "Jets add LB Stanford to Practice Squad, Release WR Wendall Williams". JetNation.com. September 28, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ "Wendall Williams: Signed to Houston's practice squad". CBSSports.com. November 9, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ "Texans sign Wendall Williams". HoustonTexans.com. December 13, 2016.
- ^ "Transactions: Texans down to 53-man roster". HoustonTexans.com. September 2, 2017. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018.