Bryan Williams (American football)
Encyclopedia
Bryan Williams is a American football
defensive back
, who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Power
of the Arena Football League
.
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
. 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.
, 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 denyed again. After he finished his 2nd year, he transferred to his local college, the University of Akron
.
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).
to a 3-year contract, but he lasted only 2 months with the team, before being cut.
, an indoor football
team in the Continental Indoor Football League. The Mayhem lacked the financial ability to stay alive and folded with 4 games remaining in the 2010 season.
, 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.
, 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. The team would advance to the CIFL Championship Game, only to lose to the undefeated Cincinnati Commandos
.
of the Arena Football League
.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
defensive back
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
, who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Power
Pittsburgh Power
The Pittsburgh Power is an Arena Football League team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that began play in March of 2011. The team plays its home games at the new Consol Energy Center, which they share with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League...
of the Arena Football League
Arena Football League
The Arena Football League is the highest level of professional indoor American football in the United States. It is currently the second longest running professional football league in the United States, after the National Football League. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster...
.
Early life
He was born the son of Sterling Campbell.Bryan attended Buchtel High School
Buchtel High School
John R. Buchtel High School is a public high school in Akron, Ohio. It is one of seven high schools in the Akron Public Schools district. It is commonly known as Buchtel High School.-History:...
in Akron, Ohio. His football talents were good enough to earn him a 3-Star rating, according to Rivals.com
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
. 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.
Valley Forge Military Academy
He originally signed a letter of intent to play football at the University of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
, 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 denyed again. After he finished his 2nd year, he transferred to his local college, the University of Akron
University of Akron
The University of Akron is a coeducational public research university located in Akron, Ohio, United States. The university is part of the University System of Ohio. It was founded in 1870 as a small college affiliated with the Universalist Church. In 1913 ownership was transferred to the City of...
.
Akron
Williams saw extended time as Akron's starting running backRunning back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
in 2007. Williams was named third team All-Mid-American Conference
Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college athletic conference with a membership base in the Great Lakes region that stretches from Western New York to Illinois. Nine of the twelve full member schools are in Ohio and Michigan, with single members...
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).
Cleveland Browns
Williams was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009, by the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
to a 3-year contract, but he lasted only 2 months with the team, before being cut.
Marion Mayhem
After being cut by the Browns, Williams was signed by the Marion MayhemMarion Mayhem
Marion Mayhem was an indoor American football team. It was a charter member of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League , later renamed the Continental Indoor Football League . The team folded during the 2010 season due to financial problems. They played their home games at the Veterans Memorial...
, an indoor football
Indoor football
Indoor football is a term used to describe several variations of American football which are played indoors. It is important to note that NFL or College games played in locations such as the Astrodome or the Superdome do not qualify as indoor football as they are using a standard size playing field...
team in the Continental Indoor Football League. 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 FirehawksFort Wayne Firehawks
The Fort Wayne FireHawks are an indoor football team affiliated with the Continental Indoor Football League. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the FireHawks play their home games at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum....
, as well as a few other Mayhem players, including Mike Tatum
Mike Tatum
Mike Tatum is currently a wide receiver for the Marion Blue Racers of the Ultimate Indoor Football League.-Early life:Mike was a graduate of Marion-Franklin High School in Columbus, Ohio...
. The FireHawks made the CIFL playoffs, and lost in the first round to the Wisconsin Wolfpack
Wisconsin Wolfpack
The Wisconsin Wolfpack was an American football franchise based in Wisconsin. The Wolfpack name and brand has been used for two teams: an indoor football team in the Continental Indoor Football League and a traditional football team in the Mid Continental Football League.The indoor and outdoor...
. Williams started both games in which he played for the FireHawks.
Marion Blue Racers
In 2011, Marion was again signed by an indoor football team. This time it was the Marion Blue RacersMarion Blue Racers
The Marion Blue Racers are a professional indoor football team that begin play in the Continental Indoor Football League for 2011, before moving to the Ultimate Indoor Football League after the 2011 Continental Indoor Football League season...
, 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. The team would advance to the CIFL Championship Game, only to lose to the undefeated Cincinnati Commandos
Cincinnati Commandos
The Cincinnati Commandos are team of the Ultimate Indoor Football League. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Commandos play their home games at the Cincinnati Gardens. Their team is based around Cincinnati area talent, such as Ben Mauk, Dominick Goodman, Robert Redd and Terrill Byrd...
.
Pittsburgh Power
On July 8, 2011, Bryan Williams signed with the Pittsburgh PowerPittsburgh Power
The Pittsburgh Power is an Arena Football League team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that began play in March of 2011. The team plays its home games at the new Consol Energy Center, which they share with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League...
of the Arena Football League
Arena Football League
The Arena Football League is the highest level of professional indoor American football in the United States. It is currently the second longest running professional football league in the United States, after the National Football League. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster...
.