JCSU's Williams undrafted but undaunted with NFL opportunity

PHOTO/CURTIS WILSON

Jovontay Williams, an all-CIAA defensive end at Johnson C. Smith, earned an invitation to the Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp.

Jovontay Williams isn’t Shaq Thompson.

Both are NFL rookies, but Williams is a long shot to make the Carolina Panthers roster, not a first-round draft pick guaranteed millions of dollars. Williams, a defensive end who played at Johnson C. Smith, was invited to this weekend’s minicamp with nothing more than an opportunity to earn a chance at next month’s minicamp. Thompson, who played linebacker at Washington, has a spot on the roster. Williams wants one.

“Some of them are signed,” Williams said Friday after the first session. “Some of them are top draft picks. I know I’ve got to come out here and work hard. At the end of the day, if I want my tryout, if I want to make this team I have to work hard and give it my all.”

Williams (6-2, 258 pounds) put up good numbers at JCSU, finishing his career with 69 tackles (42 solo) 20 sacks, and 28 tackles for loss.  His best season was 2013 when he was named all-CIAA and All-America by Heritage Sports Network and HBCU Gameday. In 2014, he racked up 38 tackles (22 solo) and 7.5 sacks. He also had 15.5 tackles for loss with the Golden Bulls, who went 3-7.  

But college numbers won’t help now. Williams is in a different element, trying to make the leap to the NFL with undrafted rookies, street free agents and draft picks. One of the other undrafted free agents is Avius Capers, a JCSU receiver who played at Independence High.

“Us coming from our program, we’ve got to take full advantage of this,” Williams said. “I know he’s working hard with the receivers and I’m working hard representing the D-line.”

Williams and fellow Golden Bulls defensive end Chris Randolph participated in pro day drills at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina thought enough of Williams to invite him and Capers to camp – giving JCSU a third of the six players from N.C. schools to earn a shot.

“I guess I did good on my local pro day,” Williams said. “On Saturday, my agent gave me a call a said we’re going to be waiting on you and on Monday I got the big call the Panthers invited me for a tryout.”

Carolina coach Ron Rivera saw enough in Williams, Capers and Charlotte 49ers offensive tackle Daniel Blitch to bring them in. Last year three undrafted free agents made the roster.

“These guys were invited earlier when we had the local workout,” Rivera said. “That’s why they’re invited back – because they did a nice job at the local workout.”

The work is just beginning, though. Williams’ next step is to produce enough skill to make it to June. The opportunity is there.

“It’s very exciting. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to be out here and the Panthers showed JCSU some love,” he said. “Just being out here is kind of exciting.”

Also:

Capers representing JCSU with Panthers

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