Rod Williams helps Madison County High School advance to Clas 2A semi-finals

Published on January 15, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - From the day Rod Williams stepped foot onto the gridiron with the Tampa Bay Storm in 1999, the veteran lineman has been a consistent presence on both the offensive and defensive lines. What many may not know about the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Florida A&M graduate is his dedication to his high school alma mater, Madison County High School, in Madison, FL.

While playing for the Madison Cowboys from 1988-91, Williams earned a scholarship to FAMU as an all-state linebacker his senior year. While at FAMU, he played defensive tackle and defensive end from 1992-1995 and was named the Rattlers' Defensive Lineman of the Year and was an All-MEAC First Team member in 1993 and 1995.

After gradating from FAMU and taking a year off of football, Williams was talked into coaching the defensive ends at Madison in the spring of 1998.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do after college so I took a teaching job while I waited to hear from the U.S. Marshals with my test results," said Williams. "I just thought I was passing time but I fell in love with the kids and the job."

Ever since Williams joined the staff, the Madison Cowboys defense has been a force to be reckoned with.

In 2004, Williams' defense gave up a total of 108 rushing yards in 14 games. The team racked up an impressive 56 sacks during the season as Geno Hayes, now a sophomore linebacker at Florida State, tallied 105 tackles and 14 sacks that year to lead the 2004 team.

Last season the Cowboys finished with a 10-3 record, ultimately losing to The Bolles School in the Class 2A semi-finals, 28-14. During the season the Cowboys defense allowed an average of just 10 points a game, limiting their opponents to only 68 yards on the ground.

Williams credits the success of the defense to the outstanding character of his players.

"I coach a very aggressive style of play," said Williams. "My players take on that character and you can tell by the number of big hits and turnovers we cause."

In particular, two of these players are defensive ends Travis Arnold and DJ Folsom. Arnold led the team with 12 sacks while his counterpart Folsom led the team in tackles for a loss with 16.

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Amongst the other senior leaders who had an impact on defense are heavily recruited defensive end Tony Straughter and speedy defensive back Bernard Brinson.

Straughter finished the season with 56 tackles and three sacks, while Brinson led the team in interceptions with eight. Brinson also ran back five punts for a touchdown.

"I would say this season was a great success because we replaced 29 seniors from last season," said Williams. "I was very proud of our young players. They fought tooth and nail with Daytona, Coffee County and Bolles, and never gave up. Next year we have 16 returning starters and we should be even better."

Two of William's graduating seniors will be furthering their careers on the collegiate level. Folsom has been offered a scholarship to William's alma mater FAMU while Brinson has accepted a scholarship to play for Florida State University.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 15, 2007


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