Tight end is one of the most important positions in Florida Atlantic’s offense, and junior Darian Williams knows that. While having to play behind two senior tight ends last season, Williams didn’t get many chances on the field, but when he did, he made plays. Finishing the season with 14 receptions for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns, Williams showed he had hands and athletic ability, something needed for a tight end in FAU’s passing attack.

Williams even wears the number 85, because he thinks he is a combination of the NFL players Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Gates, when it comes to speed and skills. A locally-grown player out of North Lauderdale Florida, William’s family is often around the team, most notably his father Donald Williams who frequently attends practices and scrimmages.

Williams recently sat down with us for “Up Close”.

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“Corn beef and rice.”

What is your pet peeve?

“Styrofoam rubbed together”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“My father.”

What are you most proud of?

“Last semester I did well with the grades and got a 3.0.”

What is your major?

“Interdisciplinary Studies. I’ve always liked being around kids and I’ve always wanted to work in the city at a recreation type center and take care of events and sports. ”

What is your Faith?

“Christian.”

Line of scrimmage

What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength?

“Hands. I got strong hands and don’t drop a lot of passes.”

What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness?

“Finishing the route. I need to define the route and make the routes better.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“I took a visit here, and it was a nice campus and it was close to home. My parents come to all of the games, which is big for me.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“As a team, get to a bowl game and win the Sun Belt. For me personally, I’m trying to get first-team all Sun Belt.”

What game are you looking forward to the most next season?

“I have two of those. UAB because we get a rematch and the second is the game at Ford Field against Michigan State, which should be a nice game.”

What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally?

“I like to play basketball; I was good at that in high school and I like sports. I also like to watch movies and my favorite would have to be Man on Fire.

Touchdown

Coming up, our next player was awarded an Xbox 360 while in high school, because his coaches thought he was the hardest working individual on his team.