Bobby Martinez – Sports Writer
NEW HAVEN — Wide receiver, standing at 6’4 weighing 185 pounds, a junior sports management major from West Haven, Conn., is Southern Connecticut’s own, Gary Williams. Williams before coming to Southern Connecticut said he played mainly basketball and football was his second sport.
“I was a big basketball player,” said Williams, “and I didn’t really play football in high school until my senior year.”
Despite not seeing any playing time as a freshman in 2010, Williams took that time for practicing and working out as much as he can–waiting for that time when his number is called. As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Williams played five games playing on special teams and also wide receiver.
Williams said the time he spent over the years on the sideline is now showing and is happy he is getting the chance he deserves and that’s being on the field.
“I picked up this sport in college,” said Williams, “and now I am finally getting recognition and it feels real good.”
In 2012 as a sophomore, Williams’ time was approaching and he made the best of the time he was given. In his first game against University of New Haven, Williams caught two passes for 12 yards. In a game against Bentley University, Williams caught a pass for 11 yards.
This season Williams has evolved as an important receiver for senior Jacob Jablonski. Williams over the years has seen the transition of high school football to college football and learned a lot over the years.
Williams is majoring in sports management and one day wants to be an athletic director or facility manager. Outside of football, Williams said he enjoys relaxing and spending time with people who he is close with.
“I like to hang out with my friends and family and have a good time,” said Williams.
A person who Williams said he idolizes as a football player is Plaxico Burress minus his troubles off the field.
“My favorite receiver is Plaxico Burress,” said Williams,” and I don’t say I look up to him for what he did, but I do look up to him as far as playing football.”
Against Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Williams caught four passes for 88 yards in a loss 30-20 resulting into the Owls first loss of the season (0-1). In the second game this season against Long Island University Post, Williams tallied up six catches for 72 yards in a tough loss 24-12.
As the Owls were currently 0-2, Williams torched Merrimack College catching six passes from Jablonski tallying up 163 yards and his first touchdown. Owls went on to win the game 40-34 giving them their first win of the season (1-2). Four games into the season the Owls defeated Saint Anselm College and Williams scored his second touchdown alongside five receptions for 44 yards.
Williams leads the Owls in receiving averaging 91 yards a game with 21 receptions, 367 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Not only has Williams become a reliable receiver this season, Williams said he brings a lot to his team that can help them every game.
“I feel like I can bring excitement from the plays I make from whenever the team needs it,” said Williams. “And I’m always positive and I think that’s a good thing for the team.”
As Williams continues to build his print as an Owl, Williams said he wants to go down in Southern Connecticut’s history as a football player who will never be forgotten and remembered as a player who stands out.
“When I leave Southern,” said Williams, “I want to be remembered as one of the greats who played in a Southern uniform.”