2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Coy Williams, RB, Davidson

• Name: Coy Williams
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 218 lbs.
• Position: RB
• College: Davidson College
• Twitter: coywilliams28
• Instagram: coywilliams28

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Davidson. It’s an institution that emphasizes students first, having a high academic standard and being a very prestigious college. I came into college thinking about Economics or Business, but I eventually settled on being a Religious Studies major. I have served as the president of Campus Outreach Group here at school.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My leadership. They would say that I carry myself very well. I’m always respectful of everyone around me, and strive to be the best version of myself. I’ve also been a 2-time team captain.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m a very consistent part of our offense. Our RB group sets the tone of the game. We pride ourselves on being tough, physical and gritty between-the-tackles type of players. I play the O-back in our spread triple option. We have one of the best rushing attacks in the country. We can be very physical and also very deceptive. We have a non-traditional option team that utilizes shotgun and sometimes uses empty sets. Our offense is very sound. It’s important for every member to know what is happening on the field, knowing everyone’s keys and responsibilities.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Two years ago in the playoffs, we squared off against Jacksonville State. They had a great safety in Nicario Harper that would fly around the field, chasing down players.

Morehead State has been a solid opponent. Vincent Winey played MLB for them. He was a very physical player that I had to keep my eye on. He did a great job of filling his gaps.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Jonathan Hammond is a dog that works his tail off. He’s an All-American pass rusher who’s a force on our defense.

Chris Turberville has the keys to the car as the center in our offense. He does an amazing job anchoring and leading our offensive line.

A lot of players paved the way for me to be the player that I am today. Guys like Wesley Dugger influenced my game tremendously, setting a great example. He helped me come into my own. Zion Johnson was a freak of nature and incredible athlete on our offensive line. Louis Colosimo played QB in our offense last season. He has an incredible story. He stepped up to the plate, making big moments for our team. He was the driving force of our offense.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Following my freshman year, we lost a member of the staff at Davidson who was a huge mentor of mine. Coach Tim Maypray was our RB’s coach and a very energetic member of the staff. His loss was a huge blow to the team. Going into the following season, not only were we dealing with the pandemic, but I also dealt with my fair share of injuries, one of which was a concussion. It took me a while to find my place that season. It was hard work to come back, but I leaned on God and the people that He’s put in my life in order to push through. I found my place, learning patience and developing a strong will. I knew that my opportunity was going to come and that I was equipped for it. We eventually went on to win back-to-back conference championships which I have been blessed to be part of.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I played a lot of different sports back in high school like baseball, basketball and track & field. I was all-district in each sport. I won a championship in baseball and went to regionals in track & field. If I didn’t play football, I think I would like to get into golf. I’m not very good at it though. I think that’s what interests me the most. It’s very relaxing yet also challenging. It would be a nice change of pace from the other sports that I’ve participated in.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
Being chosen as a team captain and knowing that I have the respect of my teammates is what I’m most proud of. Winning back-to-back Conference Championships has been great. I’ve also been blessed to be named a 2-time First Team All-Conference player and a Second Team All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Presbyterian hasn’t been in our conference for very long, and I’ve already had 2 different 3 touchdown games against them. During our game against them last Spring, we were up a score late in the 3rd quarter. On a 4th and one, I broke through the middle of the field. They didn’t have a man deep when I broke free, and I sprinted my way to the endzone. What made that play so memorable is that our OL coach seemingly ran stride for stride down the field with me as the play developed.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Being from Texas, my favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. I was a big fan of Adrian Peterson growing up. I like to take pieces of his game and other players like LeSean McCoy and add it to my own.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I’m a fan of country music and enjoy Cody Johnson. Before games, whatever is playing in the locker room gets me pumped up.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Nothing beats a home cooked meal from mom. My favorite type of food is Mexican, like enchiladas and tacos.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I enjoy a lot of Christopher Nolan Films like the Dark Knight and Interstellar. Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I consider myself a movie buff and also enjoy reading. I enjoy Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Lewis’s Mere Christianity is one of my favorites. When I have time, I also enjoy being outdoors fishing, hunting or hiking.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
It’s about the bonds you build, the memories and the lessons you learn along the way. I’ve made some of my best friends through football. I’m very competitive, and I love the raw physicality of the game. Football has been something that I’ve used to push myself to my limits, becoming the best teammate and person that I can be. I’m motivated to be the best leader that I can be, sacrificing, putting others first, and understanding the bigger picture. I’ve been able to use football as a platform to share my faith, making ministry the most important part of my life. Football has given me opportunities that I never would have dreamed of, and for that, I am truly thankful.