Wayne Williams was a Gator running back from 1985-88 and he still loves Gator football, “I’m so proud to be a Gator I can’t sleep.  To be back in Florida with what Urban Meyer is doing.” 

Wayne Williams was a top recruiting coming out of Florida back in 1985.  He already committed to Notre Dame and didn’t know that he could decommit.   Someone must have gotten the message to him. 

Williams chose the Gators because the great stable of running backs in Lorenzo Hampton, Neal Anderson and John. L Williams were graduating after the 1985 season (Hampton left in 1984).

Williams’ Career Rushing Stats at Florida

In high school at Titusville Williams led his team to back to back 3-A state championships in 1983 and 1984, he rushed for 2400 yards and 33 TDs in those two seasons.  He made 1^st team All-State his senior season and as a junior made the third team.  Was a district 100 yard dash champ with a 9.8.

Williams developed into a weight room animal.  Going into his senior season he was 5-11, 196 he ran a 4.38 forty at UF and was benching 425 pounds.  Later at the NFL combine in 1989 he was the second fastest running back timed behind some guy named Barry Sanders.  But Williams was the strongest back in that combine.

Williams’ Career Receiving Stats at Florida

Like a guy like Sanders beating him out for the fastest running back combine time, some guy named Emmitt Smith came along in 1987.  Williams said he broke his hand the third game of the season, the next six games Smith gained 1,000 yards.  Williams had over 1,100 yards rushing and receiving at Florida.

Denver took Williams in the 9^th round he stuck with them a couple of seasons.  After one more stop his pro career was over.

He’s had time to raise three kid’s two sons and a daughter.  His younger son, Wayne Jr., is 19 and the quarterback at Tuskegee, he played last season as a true freshman.  His 16 year old daughter is a very good athlete and ran track but stopped that.   What she found and really likes has taken her dad by surprise, BOXING!

If she is as strong, as quick and as tough as the old man, look out!

Williams is very proud of his business accomplishments.  The time in the NFL helped.  He has spent some time in the auto business.  He owned his own mortgage company, it was successful and he sold it a few years ago.  Now he’s an Admissions Representative at Everest University in Tampa.

When asked about the Gator basketball championships Williams replied, “Wasn’t that crazy. (He laughs then adds)  I don’t know where he got those boys from but it was exciting.

Williams said of his career, “I enjoyed the game I’ve been a state champion since I was eight years old.”

Urban Meyer, Billy Donovan, and his kids will most likely keep old Gator Wayne sleepless in a good way for quite a while.