Devonte Williams
No. 31     Ottawa Redblacks
Williams with the Redblacks in 2023
Born: (1997-02-05) February 5, 1997
Columbia, Maryland, U. S.
Career information
StatusActive
CFL statusAmerican
Position(s)Running back
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight170 lb (77 kg)
CollegeSoutheastern Louisiana
Indiana
High schoolBullis School
Career history
As player
2021Winnipeg Blue Bombers*
2022–presentOttawa Redblacks
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career stats

Devonte Williams (born February 5, 1997) is a professional Canadian football running back for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

College career

Williams first played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2015 as a cornerback, where he played and started in three games before suffering a season-ending injury.[1][2] He used a medical redshirt year in 2015 and returned to his position of running back in 2016 and 2017.[1]

He then transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University to play for the Lions in 2018 and 2019, where he played in 23 games and had 222 carries for 892 yards and 12 touchdowns.[3]

Professional career

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

After not playing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 13, 2021.[4] Following training camp, he began the season on the practice roster and was eventually released on September 30, 2021.[5]

Ottawa Redblacks

On April 20, 2022, it was announced that Williams had signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.[6] After the team's incumbent starting running back, William Powell, suffered an injury in training camp, Williams was named the opening day starter.[2] He made his professional debut on June 10, 2022, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he had nine carries for 33 yards.[7] He started in the first two games of the regular season before relinquishing his position to Powell and Williams was assigned to the practice roster.[2][8] Following another injury to Powell, Williams returned and played in six more regular season games and totalled 90 carries for 454 yards and 27 receptions for 159 yards for the year.[7] At the end of the year, he was named the Redblacks' nominee for the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award.[9]

After the Redblacks decided not to re-sign Powell, Williams became the starting running back for the 2023 season. He scored his first career touchdown on a 23-yard run in a game against the Edmonton Elks on August 27, 2023.[7]

Personal life

Williams' was born to parents Harmony and Isaac Williams.[1] Williams' uncles, Shawn Springs and Omar Evans, also played professional football in the National Football League and Canadian Football League, respectively.[2] Williams' grandfather, Ron Springs, played at running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Devonte Williams". Indiana Hoosiers. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 ""Its been a complete blessing" Ottawa Redblacks running back Devonte Williams looks back on his story". JZ Media. July 12, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Devonte Williams". Southeastern Louisiana Lions. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Bombers bring in RB Devonte Williams". Canadian Football League. July 13, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Redblacks sign OL Jeremy Hickey and RB Devonte Williams". Ottawa Redblacks. April 20, 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 "Devonte Williams". Ottawa Redblacks. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Redblacks reveal team award winners". CityNews. October 26, 2022.
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