| When the college football focus shifted from the BCS to the NFL draft,
few people could identify Roosevelt Williams. Heck, few people could identify Tuskegee
University. But after an invite to the Senior Bowl and a strong workout, the big
cornerback (5-11 3/8, 202) is working his way up draft boards. Some see him going as high
as the middle of the second round. Q: What is your background and why are you at
Tuskegee?
A: I signed with Florida State out of high school. (But) I was off by one point on the
ACT and went to Savannah State and played two years as a starter. Our defensive
coordinator, Gregory Green, went to Tuskegee, and I transferred.
Q: Take us to Tuskegee — what can you tell us?
A: There are 3,000 students. It is a great academic institution; great football
program. My two years at Tuskegee I learned a lot in the classroom and won a 2001 Black
College National Championship. I don’t regret going to Tuskegee.
Q: What was your major?
A: Child psychology. I like to talk to children. I think (that) comes from my mom. She
always talked to me about what I needed to be successful.
Q: Is there an age group you prefer?
A: I have a son in Florida, Deontai, who’s 5. I’d prefer that age, but I
could adapt to kids that are older.
Q: Was it difficult to go to school with a son?
A: His mom takes care of him in Jacksonville. But he comes up to watch me play quite a
bit. He’s an inspiration and a motivator. He knows his dad.
Q: How much NFL football do you watch?
A: Any time it is on TV. Aeneas Williams is my idol. He was a black college player, we
have the same last name, and he overcame adversity.
Q: What do you need to prove?
A: I don’t know if Tuskegee has ever had a player drafted. I need to prove I can
play at a high level of competition. When I prove that, I will have proven everything.
Q: Who is the best receiver you faced?
A: Tim Carter from Auburn. He’s fast. Real fast.
Q: How big of a jump do you think it will be from Tim Carter to Randy Moss?
A: Well, speed-wise, it can’t jump. Carter is faster than Moss. But size-wise, I
think Moss has a couple of inches on Carter. That is tough.
Q: You said you watch plenty of NFL football. Have you noticed the emphasis teams are
putting on corners with size?
A: It seems like every year receivers get bigger and bigger. You have to have a corner
that can jam at the line and then run real well.
Q: How physical are you and do you support the run well?
A: I’m very physical. I support the run; I’ll stick my helmet in there.
Q: When you went to the Senior Bowl and the practices are important, did you feel
pressure like it was an audition?
A: Definitely. I knew all eyes were on me during one-on-ones and drills. I was more
excited, more anxious to get out there on the stage and showcase what I can do.
Q: How big of a disappointment was it for you when Florida State didn’t work
out?
A: It was devastating. It was a big disappointment. Five of my closest friends signed
and played at Florida State and I couldn’t go because I was a point off. Laverneus
Coles, Char’ron Dorsey, Atrews Bell, William McCray. They eventually went. I knew I
had to work extra hard if I wanted to be in a room with them (again).
Q: Do you know any Florida State corners?
A: Yeah. Samari Rolle, Tay Cody, Deion (Sanders). They used to be my role models. But
Deion, he is old. Aeneas is old too, but he’s my guy.
Q: Have you played safety?
A: I roamed safety, but mainly corner.
Q: There are no sleepers any more, but did you ever wonder if we could find you at
Tuskegee?
A: A little bit. But I knew if I got invited to a bowl game, like the Senior Bowl,
people would realize that I can play.
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