Williams making a name for himself at Sam position
Sam Williams is appropriately named for his position with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Williams is the Riders’ starting strong-side linebacker — a position that, in football parlance, is referred to as “Sam.”
As a result, it can get confusing when the coaches refer to the other Sam linebackers on the team.
“In the meeting room we have other people who are called Sam,’’ Williams said with a chuckle. “That’s when I have to make sure that they aren’t talking about me.’’
Williams has already generated some talk around the Roughriders after starting just one CFL regularseason game. The converted defensive back had four defensive tackles in a 17-16 loss to the host Montreal Alouettes on June 22.
Williams was making his debut at Sam after playing safety with the East Texas Baptist University Tigers. He made an impact while delivering two solid hits on Montreal receiver Alex Pierzchalski.
“I’ve always liked to hit,” Williams said in advance of Saturday’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. “At all of the schools that I’ve been through, from high school through college and now at professional level, I’ve done that. I don’t feel like slowing down.”
Williams started training camp as a cornerback. He was later moved to Sam, which is more of a coverage position than one that is dedicated to stopping the run. The position suits the six-foot-one, 205-pound Williams, who likes being closer to the line of scrimmage than he would be in the defensive backfield.
“It’s kind of half-and-half with the pass and the run,’’ said the 23-year-old Williams. “I did a little bit of both in college. I also don’t mind being in the box.’’
Williams spent two seasons (2015 and 2016) at ETBU, an NCAA Division III university located in Marshall, Texas. He registered 79 defensive tackles and five interceptions in 20 collegiate games.
The small university has produced only one NFL draft pick — offensive lineman Curtis Wester, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the ninth round (228th overall) in 1973.
After being released by the Browns, Wester made his way to the B.C. Lions, with whom he played three seasons. In 1974, he was a CFL all-star and the West nominee for most outstanding offensive lineman.
Wester returned to the CFL in 1979 with the Roughriders and was the team’s nominee for most outstanding lineman.
“I had heard about him, but I didn’t really know him,’’ Williams said. “It’s exciting to know that I went to a college where someone else actually had a chance where I came to.’’
Williams is believed to be the first player from ETBU since Wester to crack a CFL roster. ETBU running back Kendall Roberson attended the Blue Bombers’ training camp, but was released on June 17.
“People are proud of me and they are the same ones who have been in my corner all of the time,’’ Williams said. “I give them something to look forward to and I feel like I’m a person who has opened the door for a few people.’’
NOTES: The Riders placed middle linebacker Henoc Muamba (knee) and receiver/returner Ricky Collins (shoulder) on the six-game injured list Friday. Sam Eguavoen, who missed 12 games in 2016 with a knee injury, is to start for Muamba. Eguavoen has been sidelined since the first day of training camp with an injured ankle, but said Friday he was fine ... Collins injured a shoulder against the Alouettes. Nic Demski and Greg Morris are to share the return duties with Collins sidelined ... Demski will also start at wide receiver on Saturday, even with Rob Bagg on the active roster after missing the regularseason opener due to an injured left ankle.