Damian Williams life and biography

PRO:
The Titans used their first of two third-round selections in 2010 on Southern California wide receiver Damian Williams, a versatile pass catcher who is also an experienced punt returner. His crisp route running ability combined with his glue-like hands and great focus make him a feared target in the passing game. His vision and elusiveness has shown itself in other aspects of his game as well, as he became one of the nation’s most feared return men in 2009. Williams declared for the NFL Draft early after spending the last two seasons with the Trojans and his freshman campaign with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• In 2009, recorded 70 receptions for 1,010 yards (14.4 avg.) with six touchdowns, while leading the conference with an average of 84.2 receiving yards per game.
• As a junior, also returned 24 punts for 340 yards and two touchdowns with his punt return average of 14.2 yards leading the conference and ranking third nationally.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Founded a campus Bible study group known as Generate USC along with longtime teammate Mitch Mustain at Southern Cal. The group evolved to 85 people per week and Williams has passed the leadership torch to current USC quarterback Matt Barkley.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Springdale, Ark., native was selected by the Titans with their first of two picks in the third round (77th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE:
• In three collegiate seasons, Williams started 25 of 38 games and caught 147 passes for 2,114 yards (14.4 avg.) with 17 touchdowns. He began his career at Arkansas where he was named to the Freshman All-Southeastern Conference first team. Williams then transferred to Southern Cal following his freshman campaign and appeared in 26 games with 20 starts over two seasons, amassing 128 receptions for 1,879 yards (14.7 avg.) with 15 touchdowns for the Trojans. Williams was also a prolific punt returner bringing back 25 punts for 339 yards and two touchdowns.

AS A JUNIOR (2009), selected third-team All-American as an all-purpose athlete by The NFL Draft Report, while earning All-Pac 10 Conference first team honors as a receiver and punt returner. Also was a recipient of the College Football Performance National Punt Returner of the Year Award, and was voted USC’s MVP by his teammates. Williams, a team captain, enjoyed his most successful campaign as a junior, recording 70 receptions for 1,010 yards (14.4 avg.) and six touchdowns, while leading the conference with an average of 84.2 receiving yards per game. He returned 24 punts for 340 yards and two touchdowns and his punt return average of 14.2 yards led the conference and ranked third nationally.
• At California (10/3), caught eight passes for 101 yards. Was named Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week after returning one punt for 66 yards.
• At Notre Dame (10/17), had four receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Posted touchdown grabs of 20 yards and 44 yards from Matt Barkley in the victory.
• Against Boston College (12/26), set career-highs for receptions and receiving yardage, totaling 12 catches for 189 yards in the Emerald Bowl. Earned Emerald Bowl MVP honors for his performance.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2008), saw action in 13 games with nine starts and led the Trojans with 58 receptions for 869 yards (15.0 avg.) and nine touchdowns. Earned College Football News Sophomore All-American honorable mention, USC’s John McKay Award, as well as All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention.
• Against Ohio State (9/13), grabbed three receptions for 49 yards with two touchdowns. Snared a 24-yard touchdown catch from Mark Sanchez in the third quarter. Notched a 17-yard touchdown grab later in the third stanza.
• Against Penn State (1/1), caught 10 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in the Rose Bowl. Hauled in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez in the first quarter.

2007 SEASON, transferred to Southern California in the spring of 2007 from Arkansas, but was forced to sit out the 2007 season under NCAA transfer rules.

AS A FRESHMAN (2006), was named to The Sporting News Freshman All-American third-team and Freshman All-Southeastern Conference first-team. Started five of the 13 games he appeared in at Arkansas, catching 19 passes for 235 yards (12.4 avg.) with two touchdowns.
• At Mississippi State (11/18), caught two passes for 37 yards with a touchdown. Hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Casey Dick in the second quarter.

PERSONAL:
• Splits time between Nashville and Springdale, Ark.
• Attended Springdale High School (Springdale, Ark.), playing football for head coach Gus Malzahn. Helped Springdale to a 14-0 record in 2005 on the way to an Arkansas state championship title and a No. 2 national ranking.
• As a senior in 2005, caught 63 passes for 1,495 yards (23.7 avg.) with 24 touchdowns, ran for 463 yards on 31 carries (14.9 avg.) with 12 scores. Also had eight kickoff returns for 254 yards (31.8 avg.), including a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, made 25 tackles and three interceptions, returning one for a score.
• As a junior in 2004, he earned All-State honors as he caught 31 passes for 545 yards (17.6 avg.) with four touchdowns, rushed for 137 yards on 19 carries (7.2 avg.) with two scores, returned two kickoffs for 116 yards (58.0 avg.) and averaged 13.1 yards on as a punt returner.
• Also starred in baseball, where he helped his team to the Class 5-A-West title as a sophomore.
• Majored in Sociology at Southern Cal.
• Follow Williams on Twitter at @dwillone7.
• List of favorites: (movie) “Life”; (TV show) “CSI”; (actor) Will Smith; (music artist) Jay-Z.; (school subject) Math; (video game) NBA2K; (food) sushi; (sports hero) Charles Woodson; and (sports team as a child) Denver Nuggets, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves.
• Born Damian Lamar Williams on May 26, 1988 in Dallas, Texas.

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