Devonte Williams
| No. 31 Ottawa Redblacks | |
 Williams with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2023 | |
| Born: | February 5, 1997 Columbia, Maryland, U. S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | Running back |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| College | Southeastern Louisiana Indiana |
| High school | Bullis School |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2021 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers* |
| 2022–present | Ottawa Redblacks |
| *Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career stats | |
| |
Devonte Williams (born February 5, 1997) is an American professional football running back for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
College career
[edit]Williams first played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2015 as a cornerback, where he played and started in three games before suffering a season-ending injury.[1][2] He used a medical redshirt year in 2015 and returned to his position of running back in 2016 and 2017.[1]
He then transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University to play for the Lions in 2018 and 2019, where he played in 23 games and had 222 carries for 892 yards and 12 touchdowns.[3]
Professional career
[edit]Winnipeg Blue Bombers
[edit]After not playing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 13, 2021.[4] Following training camp, he began the season on the practice roster and was eventually released on September 30, 2021.[5]
Ottawa Redblacks
[edit]On April 20, 2022, it was announced that Williams had signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.[6] After the team's incumbent starting running back, William Powell, suffered an injury in training camp, Williams was named the opening day starter.[2] He made his professional debut on June 10, 2022, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he had nine carries for 33 yards.[7] He started in the first two games of the regular season before relinquishing his position to Powell and Williams was assigned to the practice roster.[2][8] Following another injury to Powell, Williams returned and played in six more regular season games and totalled 90 carries for 454 yards and 27 receptions for 159 yards for the year.[7] At the end of the year, he was named the Redblacks' nominee for the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award.[9]
After the Redblacks decided not to re-sign Powell, Williams became the starting running back for the 2023 season. He scored his first career touchdown on a 23-yard run in a game against the Edmonton Elks on August 27, 2023.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Williams' was born to parents Harmony and Isaac Williams.[1] Williams' uncles, Shawn Springs and Omar Evans, also played professional football in the National Football League and Canadian Football League, respectively.[2] Williams' grandfather, Ron Springs, played at running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Devonte Williams". Indiana Hoosiers. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e ""Its been a complete blessing" Ottawa Redblacks running back Devonte Williams looks back on his story". JZ Media. July 12, 2022.
- ^ "Devonte Williams". Southeastern Louisiana Lions. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ "Bombers bring in RB Devonte Williams". Canadian Football League. July 13, 2021.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ "Redblacks sign OL Jeremy Hickey and RB Devonte Williams". Ottawa Redblacks. April 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Devonte Williams". Ottawa Redblacks. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ Jhalli, Anil (October 26, 2022). "Redblacks reveal team award winners". CityNews. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Ottawa Redblacks bio
Media related to Devonte Williams at Wikimedia Commons
- 1997 births
- Living people
- American football running backs
- Bullis School alumni
- Canadian football running backs
- Indiana Hoosiers football players
- Ottawa Redblacks players
- Players of American football from Maryland
- Players of Canadian football from Maryland
- Southeastern Louisiana Lions football players
- Sportspeople from Columbia, Maryland
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers players