Former Boilermaker Assigned To Thunder Roster
March 7, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
BOARDMAN, OH. - The Mahoning Valley Thunder in conjunction with the arenafootball2 League Offices are pleased to announce that Defensive Back/Wide Receiver Raymond Williams, (6'3, 204) has been assigned to the 2008 Thunder roster. Williams is a first year af2 player.
A native of Jamaica, Raymond moved to the United States at the age of 15 and has since been a resident of Scotch Plains, N.J. Williams was a member of both the football and track teams at Purdue University. Recruited as a wide receiver out of high school, Williams accounted for 37 receptions, 491 yards and three touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Boilermakers. A duel threat, Raymond was also used in the backfield, rushing for 52 yards on 13 carries with one score.
As a senior, Williams was switched from wide receiver to defensive back to aid an injury-ridden secondary. Starting the final seven games at cornerback, Williams recorded 22 tackles with four pass break-ups and a fumble recovery.
The versatile Williams also saw spot duty on offense as senior. In his final campaign, Williams had one reception for 11 yards, rushed three times for 12 yards and a score and also returned two kickoffs for a total of 24 yards. Following the season, Williams was the recipient of the Team Leonard Wilson Award for unselfishness and dedication.
Following his Boilermaker career Williams spent time in training camp with the NFL's New Orleans Saints, CFL's Edmonton Eskimo's and the AFL's New Orleans VooDoo.
THUNDER HEAD COACH MIKE HOLD SAYS:
"Ray is a highly versatile guy with a team first attitude. At Purdue they moved him all over the field...split wide, in the backfield, defense, special teams, you name it, Ray was there. Anywhere Ray lined up he made plays. That versatility and his size will allow him to be an impact player in this league. He should be able to come in and help us out in all three phases of the game (offense, defense, special teams)."
The Mahoning Valley Thunder opens the season at home Saturday March 29th on Cortland Banks Field inside the Chevrolet Centre. Be a part of all the action in 2008 as the Thunder continues their climb towards the ArenaCup9 Championship. Season and individual tickets are on sale now starting at just $12. Group Outings and Birthday Parties for individual games also available. For more information call the Thunder Offices at 330.758.4af2 (4232).
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