Jordan Williams (Canadian football)

Jordan Xavier Williams (born November 23, 1994) is a professional Canadian football linebacker. He was drafted first overall in the 2020 CFL Draft by the BC Lions who currently own his playing rights in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Jordan Williams
Born: (1994-11-23) November 23, 1994
Baltimore, Maryland[1]
Career information
StatusActive
CFL statusNational
Position(s)Linebacker
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight230 lb (100 kg)
CollegeEast Carolina (2014–2017)
High schoolDover (York, Pennsylvania)

Jack Britt (Fayetteville, North Carolina)

CFL draft2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
Drafted byBC Lions
Career stats

High school career

Because his mother was in the military, Williams moved around frequently in his youth, including Baltimore and Hawaii.[2] Williams was a three-year letterwinner at Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was twice an All-Mid-South 4-A Conference selection. However, his collegiate options were limited due to academic issues.[3]

College career

Williams joined East Carolina as a preferred walk-on after transferring from Shaw University as a freshman.[4][5] He earned a scholarship and played nine games on special teams in the 2014 season as a redshirt freshman.[3] Williams finished second in tackles with 81 as a sophomore. As a junior, he led the team in tackles with 77.[4] [3] Williams finished second on the team in tackles with 89 as a senior in 2017, including three for a loss and a forced fumble.[6] In his career, Williams started 25 of 45 games and posted 252 tackles (123 solo), 13.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups and an interception. Williams also contributed 11 double-digit tackle performances. He earned a bachelor's degree from ECU in Health & Communications minor.[4]

Professional career

Williams received an invite to the San Francisco 49ers Rookie Mini-Camp in 2018 but did not make the team. He continued to train and received Canadian citizenship. He nearly joined the Ottawa Redblacks out of training camp in 2019, but was convinced to enter the CFL Draft since his mother was Canadian.[5] Williams was drafted first overall in the 2020 CFL Draft by the BC Lions. The number one pick was originally held by the Ottawa Redblacks, who dealt the pick the Calgary Stampeders, who subsequently traded the pick to the Lions on draft day.[7]

References
  1. Baker, Matt (May 1, 2020). "Draft recap: Stocking the cupboards". BC Lions. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  2. Adams, J.J. (May 1, 2020). "B.C. Lions: Sitting out might have supercharged Jordan Williams' football career". The Province. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  3. Batten, Sammy (August 28, 2017). "Jack Britt grad Jordan Williams in new role as ECU's defensive voice". Fayetteville Observer. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  4. Bailey, Brian (April 30, 2020). "Former Pirate Jordan Williams selected 1st overall in CFL Draft". WNCT. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  5. Igoe, Stephen (April 30, 2020). "Former ECU LB Jordan Williams taken first overall in CFL Draft". 247 Sports. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  6. Ralph, Dan (March 13, 2020). "Linebacker Jordan Williams feels fortunate to take part in final CFL combine". North Shore News. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  7. Reineking, Jim (April 30, 2020). "2020 CFL draft: East Carolina LB Jordan Williams selected by BC Lions with No. 1 pick". USA Today. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
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