2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kendall Williams, DB, East Tennessee State

• Name: Kendall Williams
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 190
• Position: Safety 
• College: Carson-Newman / East Tennessee State University 
• Twitter: Williams_era06 
• Instagram: Kallhimken

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?
My experience as a student was smooth, I had fun and learned a lot about the body with my Exercise science degree. While at Carson-Newman I also got closer to God and into my word more consistently. I also got my masters in sports management which helped a lot with things I was not familiar with. I played in the basketball intramural league and won the championship with some of my teammates. I attended a lot of events that were held at Carson-Newman during my time. 

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
My best quality as a teammate would be my work ethic. Whether that is working on my technique or getting in my playbook and mastering that. I also think they would say I am versatile from me playing cornerback and nickel my first three years in college to playing safety midway through my junior year.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role on the team would be to work everyday and bring positive energy while also striving to get better as well at my job. Now with my body type and football IQ I see myself playing free safety professionally with my range on the ball and my ability to read where the quarterback wants to throw the ball. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I played against in college would be Kelin Parson when he was at Lenoir-Rhyne.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Major Williams and Braxton Westfield because of the crazy plays I have seen them make in practice and games. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I would say when my mom passed away unexpectedly in 2024 due to a brain tumor. I would not say I have overcome it all the way yet, but I have gotten through it with support from family and friends. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would’ve played baseball. Growing up one of my best friends was playing a pickup game and asked me to join. On my first time up at the plate I hit an in-the-park home run. So, after that moment it always struck me as to what could have been if I played and took it seriously. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
What I am most proud of is graduating like my mom wanted me to do before she passed away. That was her only thing she wanted me to promise her, and I now have two degrees. I have my bachelors in exercise science and masters in sports management. I also would say that is my biggest achievement as well since I am the first person in my family to graduate college. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The most memorable play of my college career was my interception against Wingate in the conference championship game. It is my most favorite interception that I have ever had whether that was game or practice. I covered so much ground coming off one hash to the other hash helping the nickel on a slot fade. It was my fifth game ever playing free safety in college and ever since then I told myself this is where I can make the most money. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete would have to be Derrick Rose because I grew up watching and wearing his shoes when he was at the Chicago Bulls. Just seeing his journey and how he overcame so much adversity but never gave up showed me a lot about him which made me a huge fan. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is NBA YoungBoy, and what gets me pumped before the games is having the opportunity to go out and do what I love the most. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
I would say any type of chicken wings 

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor
My favorite movie would either be Fruitvale Station or Waste Deep.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I try to spend a lot of time with my family. If I am not with my family, then I am usually on the game with my friends. Now, for my hobbies I go hiking to see different waterfalls and fish with friends as well. I do like going to water parks to ride the different water slides. But I would say that I do not have any secret talents. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most
I play football because I love the game and what it offers. And who motivates me the most would have to be my mom with all the time and money she spent on me to train and get the things I needed to play football. Without my mom I would not be as far as I am now, so I would have to give her the credit for my motivation.