Scott Williams is an interesting prospect from Hampton University. At 6-4 220 pounds, he makes many people think of Seattle Seahawk safety Kam Chancellor. That is a comparison that Williams cherishes. His physical, tone setting play also stands out when you watch him play.
“Kam Chancellor set the bar but even before him Sean Taylor set the bar for the bigger safeties coming down in the box and playing up high. Playing the position, you have to be physical, set the tone, put fear in peoples hearts,” said Williams. “You can change games. Look at the Super Bowl, Chancellor’s first hit changed the Broncos game plan. He set the tone.”
Williams was originally a wide receiver in high school who was recruited by Marshall and Temple but took a visit to Hampton University. He signed with Hampton for two reasons; the value that he placed on education and his desire to stay close to home. The Virginia native is set to graduated this spring with a degree in Sports Management.
“Converting from receiver to defensive back at Hampton was a pretty good transition. On my visit to Hampton, I showed our coach my wide receiver highlight tape. We were watching the tape, he paused it and looked at me. He said, ‘we are going to change the game a little bit. I am going to make you into the DB that played for Miami.’”
“I said ‘who are you talking about, Kenny Phillips?’ My mom chimed in with Sean Taylor and coach was like exactly. I am coach’s player so I made the switch. I worked with the DBs that whole summer and it was different, having to stay low at 6-4. I had 19 tackles and four pass breakups in my first start.”
When he first arrived at Hampton he earned the nickname “Primetime” after his fast start in his first practice. He ran interception back for a touchdown then proceeded to do Deion Sanders’ dance. His teammates then called him “Hype” after getting to know him and seeing how hyped he got for games.
Williams had his pro day at William and Mary University and scouts were impressed with his 4.48 and 4.52 forty times. Another measurable that stood out at his pro day was his 33.5 inch arm length. His height and arm length makes it hard for quarterbacks to throw the ball over him when they are targeting receivers on deep routes.
He is aware of the odds against him because he comes from a small school. He is working out and staying ready for whenever a team call him to set up a private workout. Additionally, Scott understands the importance of special teams as a way to get his start in the NFL. While at Hampton, he played on all special teams because he wanted to help his team win in any way possible.
A player like Williams may need to play special teams to solidify a spot on an NFL roster so he can allow his ability at safety to shine in practice. Justin Durant, Kendall Langford and Jerome Mathis are three notable players that had solid careers in the NFL. Hampton’s Scott Williams is primed to become the next in line to make the transition.
