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By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 02:54 p.m. EDT, Apr 27, 2009
Akron's Bryan Williams was disappointed about not being selected in the NFL Draft over the weekend, but not with his immediate destination.
Williams, 21, who was a standout at Buchtel High and the University of Akron, signed a free-agent contract with the Browns and will report to a rookie camp Thursday.
''This is huge. Not being drafted was a blessing in disguise because I can sign with any team,'' said Williams, who was also offered a free-agent deal with the Washington Redskins. ''The Browns are my favorite team. I hate to see them losing.
''This gives me a chance to play for the team I like and it's the hometown team.''
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Williams said the Browns want him to work for a special-teams spot, returning kicks and covering kicks, with a chance to earn a place in the secondary in the future.
Since the end of the Zips season in November, Williams has been training at the Wellness Performance Institute in Atlanta, waiting for his chance.
''I have worked hard preparing for his moment, trying to make it at the next level,'' Williams said. ''It's up to me to show I belong.''
In 2007, Williams played tailback for the Zips, leading the team in rushing with 728 yards and making third-team All-Mid-American Conference. In 2008, he was moved to safety and was fifth on the team in tackles with 64, also making third-team All-MAC.
He also made his mark — and caught the attention of the pros — by returning 42 kickoffs for 1,279 yards in those two years for a UA and MAC record of 30.5 yards per return.
Another member of the Zips 2008 secondary, cornerback Brandon Anderson, signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Akron's Bryan Williams was disappointed about not being selected in the NFL Draft over the weekend, but not with his immediate destination.
Williams, 21, who was a standout at Buchtel High and the University of Akron, signed a free-agent contract with the Browns and will report to a rookie camp Thursday.
''This is huge. Not being drafted was a blessing in disguise because I can sign with any team,'' said Williams, who was also offered a free-agent deal with the Washington Redskins. ''The Browns are my favorite team. I hate to see them losing.
''This gives me a chance to play for the team I like and it's the hometown team.''
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Williams said the Browns want him to work for a special-teams spot, returning kicks and covering kicks, with a chance to earn a place in the secondary in the future.
Since the end of the Zips season in November, Williams has been training at the Wellness Performance Institute in Atlanta, waiting for his chance.
''I have worked hard preparing for his moment, trying to make it at the next level,'' Williams said. ''It's up to me to show I belong.''
In 2007, Williams played tailback for the Zips, leading the team in rushing with 728 yards and making third-team All-Mid-American Conference. In 2008, he was moved to safety and was fifth on the team in tackles with 64, also making third-team All-MAC.
He also made his mark — and caught the attention of the pros — by returning 42 kickoffs for 1,279 yards in those two years for a UA and MAC record of 30.5 yards per return.
Another member of the Zips 2008 secondary, cornerback Brandon Anderson, signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Akron, OH
Posted 03:02 PM, 04/27/2009
Good job Zips!
Barberton, OH
Posted 03:18 PM, 04/27/2009
Zips AND Kent State have been quietly producing decent pros the past 10 years. Hope these guys can catch on.
akron, oh
Posted 03:18 PM, 04/27/2009
Akron's Bryan Williams was disappointed about not being selected in the NFL Draft over the weekend, but not with his immediate destination.
Perhaps he flunk the test.
Richfield, OH
Posted 04:49 PM, 04/27/2009
I think he has a chance because of his broad skill sets. Plus he is a great athlete. Go ZIPS!
akron, oh
Posted 05:43 PM, 04/27/2009
MaryAnn : YOU ARE AN IDIOT... JUST BE PROUD THAT HE ISNT SELLING DRUGS OR METH TO YOUR SOON TO BE CRACKHEAD KIDS..... HES MAKING SOMETHING OF HIMSELF.... QUIT SPITTING POISON..... I BET YOUR CHILDREN WONT BE PLAYING PRO BALL....TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO SAY " PAPER OR PLASTIC ?" OR DO YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT ?
Posted 06:10 PM, 04/27/2009
haha lester dogged maryann pretty good...zing!! Too bad the Browns already have a player like him called Josh Cribbs...
rootstown, oh
Posted 07:07 PM, 04/27/2009
the mac with a strong showing.good attitude.
Garden Grove, ca
Posted 07:35 PM, 04/27/2009
wow.... just when I though Mangina couldnt mess up any more.. GAVE AWAY the 5th pick traded down three times to pick up a center.... hmm...DARN YOU MANGINI YOU ARE A QUACK LEAVE TOWN.
akron, oh
Posted 09:22 PM, 04/27/2009
Cool!
akron, oh
Posted 09:22 PM, 04/27/2009
Dont hurt'em lester!
Canton, OH
Posted 10:42 PM, 04/27/2009
Good Luck, Bryan. . .
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:54 PM, 04/27/2009
Congratulations Bryan,
Your in our prayers. We are so proud of you. Your Black & White Family...The Griffin Nation!!!
Posted 10:34 AM, 04/29/2009
Go lester and go ZIPS
