One of the best running backs in history for a program that was once known for consistently producing NFL talent will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits this Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Swamp.
[autotag]John L. Williams[/autotag], who played on the 1984 squad that earned the Florida Gators their first Southeastern Conference football title (which would be later revoked), spent four years in Gainesville from 1982 to 1985, amassing 2,409 yards on the ground on 468 attempts (5.1 average) over 39 games along with 14 touchdowns.
What makes those numbers more impressive is that he shared the workload with another future NFL player Neal Anderson the entire time he spent at UF (as well as Lorenzo Hampton for three years). It did not hurt that they had the “Great Wall of Florida” for their offensive line, making the Gators one of the most formidable opponents during the mid-80s.
Williams played 10 professional seasons — eight with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 1985 NFL draft. He also played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring.
For his NFL career, Williams finished with 5,006 yards on 1,245 carries for an average of an even four per rush, while finishing second in the Rookie of the Year race in 1986 as well as making two Pro Bowl appearances in 1990 and 1991.
Coming up for the Gators
The Gators host the Wildcats inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, for this year’s homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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