Williams: NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week
09.07.2009
Taylor senior defensive back Pagel Williams (Chicago, Ill./Morgan Park) has been named the NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week, the association announced Monday. Earlier Monday morning Williams was named the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League Special Teams Player of the Week.
Williams returned six punts for 187 yards, including touchdown returns of 54 and 71 yards, in Taylor's 31-16 win over NCAA Division III Anderson University last Thursday night.
At 5-8, 183 lbs., Williams becomes the first Taylor football player to receive a national Player of the Week honor since former Trojans wide receiver Doug Bonura in 1993.
Williams' performance produced two new Taylor school records, including the most punt return yards in a game (187) and the longest single return in a game (71). Both records were previously held by Mike Garty in a game against Urbana in 1992.
As a starter at defensive back for the Trojans, Williams also recorded four solo tackles and three pass breakups against the Ravens.
A Biblical studies major from Chicago, Williams currently leads the MSFA Mideast League in punt return average, all-purpose yards, and touchdowns.
Taylor (1-0) travels to William Penn (Iowa) this Saturday for a meeting with the Statesmen at 1 p.m. CST.