Williams invited to Tampa Bay Buccaneers mini-camp

    The eighth worst tackling team in the National Football League picked up the number one tackler in the Football Championship Series.
    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have picked up former Racer linebacker Nathan Williams.
    Last season, Williams garnered 179 tackles and was named the Ohio Valley Conference defensive player of the year. Named a member of the Walter Camp Foundation All-America team, Williams was awarded numerous accolades. The linebacker was also a first team selection to the Associated Press and Sports Network teams.
    Williams is currently attending a three-day mini-camp with the Buccaneers and is attempting to make the team.
    “I am very excited about this opportunity,” Williams said.  “I fought hard to put myself in position to play in the NFL.  Now that I have the chance, it is up to me to prove that I belong.”
    In his final season with the Racers, the linebacker not only set the single season record for tackles, but 13 of those were for loss, eight were sacks on the quarterback and he tallied his first interception.
    The Buccaneers missed the playoffs last year and have restructured their organization with an overhaul of the roster and a new coach.
    Williams is the second Racer in two years to be invited to an NFL camp. Last year, former wide receiver Rod Harper was invited to Green Bay Packers camp, but did not make the team.
    In 2004, Williams sustained a stress fracture in his pelvis and later tore his ACL during the 2007 season. Despite suffering two season-ending injuries, Williams fought through the setbacks and provided an anchor on the Racer defense last year. He also became the first Murray State athlete to be a Buck Buchanan finalist. 
    “We are thrilled for Nate,” Head Coach Matt Griffin said.  “He is very deserving and I am sure he will take full advantage of this opportunity.”
     Tim MacAllister can be reached at
timothy.macallister@murraystate.edu.