Williams Named 'Man of the Year' Semifinalist
November 13, 2019 | Football
by Brandon Langlois, Associate Director/Communications
DALLAS – A difference maker on and off the field for Mississippi State's football program, senior center and team captain Darryl Williams was named one of 20 semifinalists for the third annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year on Wednesday.
Chosen by members of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee, Williams and the other semifinalists have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Seventeen seniors and three juniors make up the list. Among conferences, the ACC, Big 12 and SEC led the way with four selections each, while the Big Ten had three. The Pac 12 and American Athletic Conference each had two, and the Mountain West also had one semifinalist.
The full list of semifinalists includes: Isaiah Sanders (Air Force), Derrick Brown (Auburn), Koby Quansah (Duke), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Ray Lima (Iowa State), Bryce Torneden (Kansas), Khaleke Hudson (Michigan), Darryl Williams (Mississippi State), Ford Higgins (U.S. Naval Academy), James Smith-Williams (North Carolina State), Jordan Fuller (Ohio State), Blake Gillikin (Penn State), Michael Pittman, Jr. (University of Southern California), Andrew Armstrong (Syracuse), Trey Smith (Tennessee), Brandon Jones (Texas), Kellton Hollins (TCU), Christian Montano (Tulane), Leki Fotu (Utah) and Bryce Hall (Virginia).
The award is the first in college football to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Dallas Cowboys' tight end Jason Witten, who has become one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.
A tremendous ambassador for the Bulldogs and representative of the state, Williams embodies everything MSU stands for and aims to achieve. He is widely respected by his teammates and coaches and was voted a team captain by his teammates. He is the ultimate leader and competitor constantly working to master his craft and get the most out of himself and his peers.
Just 15 credit hours away from earning his undergraduate degree in human development and family sciences, Williams has maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA and has been on the SEC Academic Honor Roll throughout his career and has interned at the Starkville Sportsplex as part of his degree program.
Williams also takes every opportunity to contribute to the program's community service efforts, including spending time at events like visiting the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.
The Bessemer, Alabama, native is one of the hardest working players on either side of the ball. He continues to develop and has tremendous pro potential in the future. He moved from left guard to center during spring ball, and anchors an offensive line that paves the way for one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in college football. He has allowed only one sack in 34 career starts.
Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony on February 18, 2020, at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Tickets for the 2019 season can be purchased at HailState.com/Tickets, by calling 1-888-GO-DAWGS or in person at the MSU Athletic Ticket Office on the first floor of the Bryan Athletic Administration Building (288 Lakeview Drive), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
DALLAS – A difference maker on and off the field for Mississippi State's football program, senior center and team captain Darryl Williams was named one of 20 semifinalists for the third annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year on Wednesday.
Chosen by members of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee, Williams and the other semifinalists have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Seventeen seniors and three juniors make up the list. Among conferences, the ACC, Big 12 and SEC led the way with four selections each, while the Big Ten had three. The Pac 12 and American Athletic Conference each had two, and the Mountain West also had one semifinalist.
The full list of semifinalists includes: Isaiah Sanders (Air Force), Derrick Brown (Auburn), Koby Quansah (Duke), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Ray Lima (Iowa State), Bryce Torneden (Kansas), Khaleke Hudson (Michigan), Darryl Williams (Mississippi State), Ford Higgins (U.S. Naval Academy), James Smith-Williams (North Carolina State), Jordan Fuller (Ohio State), Blake Gillikin (Penn State), Michael Pittman, Jr. (University of Southern California), Andrew Armstrong (Syracuse), Trey Smith (Tennessee), Brandon Jones (Texas), Kellton Hollins (TCU), Christian Montano (Tulane), Leki Fotu (Utah) and Bryce Hall (Virginia).
The award is the first in college football to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Dallas Cowboys' tight end Jason Witten, who has become one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.
A tremendous ambassador for the Bulldogs and representative of the state, Williams embodies everything MSU stands for and aims to achieve. He is widely respected by his teammates and coaches and was voted a team captain by his teammates. He is the ultimate leader and competitor constantly working to master his craft and get the most out of himself and his peers.
Just 15 credit hours away from earning his undergraduate degree in human development and family sciences, Williams has maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA and has been on the SEC Academic Honor Roll throughout his career and has interned at the Starkville Sportsplex as part of his degree program.
Williams also takes every opportunity to contribute to the program's community service efforts, including spending time at events like visiting the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.
The Bessemer, Alabama, native is one of the hardest working players on either side of the ball. He continues to develop and has tremendous pro potential in the future. He moved from left guard to center during spring ball, and anchors an offensive line that paves the way for one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in college football. He has allowed only one sack in 34 career starts.
Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony on February 18, 2020, at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Tickets for the 2019 season can be purchased at HailState.com/Tickets, by calling 1-888-GO-DAWGS or in person at the MSU Athletic Ticket Office on the first floor of the Bryan Athletic Administration Building (288 Lakeview Drive), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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