Avery Williamson Giving Back in a Big Way

February 23, 2016

Current Tennessee Titan and Former Kentucky Wildcat Avery Williamson is back in the bluegrass and giving back to someone who has given her time to help so many. Williamson will be doing a FREE Public Signing at AllSports (Fayette Mall) this Friday from 6-7pm. Williamson is encouraging those who come out to donate towards Sarah Warner Lister's battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. For the past 10 years Sarah has been the Executive Director of Lexington's Ronald McDonald House, providing comfort and hope to thousands of families from around the world while their children are hospitalized. Sarah's beautiful smile and always positive personality is contagious to anyone who meets her. Many of Sarah's supporters have started wearing Orange Ribbons to help raise Leukemia Awareness as well as promoting the hashtag #TeamSarah.

Williamson who played under Coach Stoops at Kentucky was an All-SEC Selection and was chosen by the Tennessee Titans in the 2014 NFL Draft. "I love Kentucky and anytime I'm back I love meeting members of the BBN. After hearing about Sarah's battle and how much she has done for so many others I thought it would be a great idea to rally the BBN for a great cause." Williamson recorded 102 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception for the Titans this season. See below for more information about Sarah's fight and how you can help donate.

In addition to signing for donations, Avery is giving away two free tickets to a 2016 Tennessee Titans home football game. For a chance to win please bring a donation of any amount to the free public signing.

If you can’t make it out, here is how you can participate from home:

1. Visit Sarah Warner's donation page: Team Sarah donation page
2. Select a donation amount of your choice
3. Input your name
4. Input #TeamAvery in the “Comments, In Memory, Tribute” section
5. The winner will be contacted on March 2, 2016

NFL notes: Trevathan, Williamson finish as team tackles leaders

BY DENNIS VARNEY
January 3, 2016

Former University of Kentucky linebackers Danny Trevathan and Avery Williamson each finished as his respective team’s leading tackler.

Trevathan had a game-high 10 tackles Sunday in the Denver Broncos’ 27-20 defeat of the San Diego Chargers. Eight of those were solo and one was for a loss.

That performance gave him 110 tackles for the season. He also had two interceptions this season, including one on Dec. 6 against San Diego that he returned for his first NFL touchdown.

It is the second time in four seasons that Trevathan has reached the 100-tackle mark. He only played three games last season because of injuries.

Williamson made a game-high nine tackles in the Tennessee Titans’ 30-24 loss at Indianapolis. Eight of those were solo, which pushed his season total to 102.

Williamson also had 3 1/2 sacks and one interception this season.

Titans teammate and fellow ex-Cat Wesley Woodyard made four tackles Sunday to give him 87 overall. He also had five sacks and one fumble recovery this season.

Much too early roster projections: ILB's

By Greg Arias

June 16, 2015

When it comes to the Titans defense in 2015, stopping the run is perhaps the biggest area the team must improve upon as the start of training camp approaches. Last season the Titans were gashed early and often though sixteen games by a front seven that could not stop the run.

The defensive line has one new starter entering the season, and the inside linebackers will welcome the return of Zach Brown from injury, which should help bolster the interior defense, but will that be enough.

Today we continue our series looking at the much too early roster predictions for the team, and we preview the inside linebackers who must become a force against the run.

CURRENT PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER (7): Avery Williamson, Zach Brown, Wesley Woodyard, Zavier Gooden, Yawin Smallwood, Nate Askew, Justin Staples

Avery Williamson: Starter- Williamson was the Titans steal of the draft in 2014, and perhaps the entire NFL as the rookie linebacker proved to be a tackling machine and became a starter midway through the season. Now an unquestioned starter, and someone who is being counted on to produce and to be a leader, Williamson could reach Pro-Bowl status if he does not suffer a sophomore slump and continues to improve this season.

Zach Brown: Starter- Brown suffered a torn pectoral muscle last season in week one against Kansas City and was lost for the season. His return should add an element of speed to the defense as Brown is one of the fastest players on the entire roster. Brown entered last season in the doghouse but worked his way out to become a starter prior to the injury. He will be counted on especially in pass defense as his speed will allow the Titans to matchup against speedier players with Brown who was a track star in college.

Wesley Woodyard: Backup- Woodyard signed with the Titans prior to the 2014 season and was a key contributor to the defense. As a starter next to Brown, the tandem was thought to be set for the season, but Brown’s injury made way for Williamson. Woodyard struggled at times against the run as he is somewhat undersized (6’ 0” 233) and he should become more of a situational player entering his eight NFL season.

Zavier Gooden: Backup- Gooden is another track guy with speed to burn but he has failed to make a significant impact on anything other than special teams. Entering his third season, it’s time for Gooden to produce something or he could find himself looking for a new team. At this point however, Gooden looks to be in good shape to make the roster, but he needs to take a major step forward to help this unit improve.

Yawin Smallwood: Practice Squad/Out- Smallwood was a practice squad player a season ago, and could have options to return, but it is more likely that he might be out.

Nate Askew: Practice squad/Out- Askew is in the same situation as Smallwood. He could find a position on the practice squad, or be out. Askew has had moments so far that make me think he might be ahead if anyone in this group is to make the practice squad.

Justin Staples: Practice squad/Out- Another player in the same situation. Staples is on the bubble and could be on his way out.

The Titans are likely to keep eight linebackers in all, with four on the outside and four more inside, though there is a slight chance that there could be a ninth if a linebacker outperforms and forced the coaching staff to keep one more and keep one less at another position.

However this position group shakes out, it is going to be imperative that those who remain on the roster are able to produce.

Avery Williamson named to All-AFC South team, AFC South Rookie of the Year

By Tania Ganguli | ESPN.com

January 27, 2015

ESPN.com All-AFC South Team

OFFENSE
QB: Andrew Luck, Colts
RB: Arian Foster, Texans
TE: Delanie Walker, Titans
TE Coby Fleener, Colts
WR: T.Y. Hilton, Colts
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Texans
LT Anthony Castonzo, Colts
LG vacant
C Chris Myers, Texans
RG Brandon Brooks, Texans
RT Derek Newton, Texans

DEFENSE
DE: J.J. Watt, Texans
NT: Sen'Derrick Marks, Jaguars
DE: Jurrell Casey, Titans
OLB: Erik Walden, Colts
ILB: D'Qwell Jackson, Colts
ILB: Avery Williamson, Titans
OLB: Whitney Mercilus, Texans
CB: Vontae Davis, Colts
CB: Kareem Jackson, Texans
S: Kendrick Lewis, Texans
S: Mike Adams, Colts

SPECIAL TEAMS
P: Pat McAfee, Colts
K: Adam Vinatieri, Colts

Watt revisited stories familiar from this season -- Googling what rich people buy, buying his mom a car upon signing his new contract, and that time he did a five-foot box jump from a standing start. Watt simulated that jump live on the show, with Kimmel playfully quivering underneath the table upon which Watt was to jump. He did it safely, with no injury -- to Kimmel or himself.

The offseason is a lighter time for Watt, but in-season he focuses singularly on his game. That focus meant a historic season in which Watt counted 20.5 sacks, 10 batted passes, three touchdown catches, two defensive touchdowns among his accomplishments.

Selecting Watt to this team was probably the easiest decision we had to make as we selected our All-AFC South team this season. Tennessee Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, Jacksonville Jaguars reporter Mike DiRocco and Indianapolis Colts reporter Mike Wells joined me in selecting a divisional All-Star team. The division wasn't strong -- perhaps only stronger than the NFC South, which had no teams with winning records. But at most positions we had at least one, maybe a few players who stood out.

Watt and Colts quarterback Andrew Luck aside, the division was particularly strong at receiver. There was little debate that Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton and Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins deserved the nods there. We pondered whether to include three receivers and one tight end (which would have gotten Texans receiver Andre Johnson onto the team) or two receivers and two tight ends, and went with the latter.

One point of contention came with the offensive line, especially at left tackle. Texans left tackle Duane Brown and Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo were the subject of significant debate. Initially we had a tie between the two. What some thought gave Castonzo the nod was the Colts' success in keeping Luck clean and also the fact Castonzo had played his best season.

I fought for Brown. While I do believe Brown has had better seasons, and I also believe Castonzo has steadily improved, in 2014, Brown was the better player. A year from now, this could change, but in 2014 I maintain Brown was the AFC South's best left tackle.

We had fewer arguments defensively. Ultimately the division wound up with 10 Colts, nine Texans, three Titans and one Jaguar. Given the teams' individual records, I'd say that makes sense.


All-AFC South superlatives announced

January 28, 2015

By Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com

The All-AFC South team was released on Tuesday and now it’s time to give out some superlatives within the division for the 2014 season. The awards were determined by a panel of the NFL Nation writers from the division: Michael DiRocco (Jacksonville), Tania Ganguli (Houston), Paul Kuharsky (Tennessee) and Mike Wells (Indianapolis)

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Andrew Luck, Indianapolis

Luck led the NFL with 40 touchdown passes and was third in passing yards (4,761). He had 11 games (including playoffs) in which he threw for at least 300 yards. He led the Colts to an upset of Denver in the divisional round and into the AFC Championship Game.

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, Houston

Gee, let’s see: 78 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one safety, one interception (which he returned for a TD) and for good measure, three catches for 4 yards and three touchdowns. Watt has just as good of a case for league MVP honors as any other player.

Rookie of the Year: Avery Williamson, Tennessee

The fifth-round draft pick cracked the starting lineup in Week 5 and never left. He finished with 51 tackles (third on the team), four pass breakups, 3.0 sacks and was one of the Titans’ top defensive players.

Coach of the Year: Bill O’Brien, Houston

The Texans had a shaky quarterback situation and the No. 1 overall pick in the draft (Jadeveon Clowney) played in just four games, but O’Brien led the Texans to a 9-7 mark and kept them in the playoff hunt until the final week of the season. Remember, this team was 2-14 in 2013.

Williamson sets Titans' rookie mark for tackles

From Wire and Staff reports' "NFL notes: Cobb scores 2 TDs in Packers' win; Williamson sets Titans' rookie mark for tackles"

December 28, 2014

With four tackles on Sunday, former University of Kentucky standout Avery Williamson raised his season total to 105, moving past Alterraun Verner for the Tennessee Titans' rookie tackle record. Verner had 103 in 2010.

Williamson was pleased with how his season went, though disappointed that the team struggled to a 2-14 record that earned them the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft.

"I have a good feeling about this season," he said. "It wasn't perfect, but as a rookie, I feel like I did pretty good. I made some huge strides, so it gives me some confidence going into the next season, and I can build off that and keep on improving."

Williamson, who said he'll spend part of the offseason at UK taking a class and working out with coaches, said he'll do all he can to retain his starting position.

"I've really got to work hard this offseason and get in the playbook," he said. (To) know the ins and outs of it, and get bigger, stronger, faster. The whole nine yards. I've got to come back an even a better player next year."

Rookie linebacker Avery Williamson playing well, looking like 5th-round steal for Titans

Tennessee linebacker and ex-Cat Avery Williamson, center, celebrated after sacking Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger for an 8-yard loss Monday night.

By Teresa Walker

November 20, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans linebacker Avery Williamson had a big game against a quarterback he's been watching for years, sacking Ben Roethlisberger not once, but twice.

Now the rookie is working to make sure ego doesn't take his attention off the job at hand.

"I'm happy with the way I've been playing," Williamson said. "Some plays I left on the field, but it's never going to be a perfect game. Just got to continue forward and progress each week. I'm definitely excited about my future, and I feel like it's going to keep getting better."

So do the Titans with Williamson looking to be a steal as a fifth-round draft pick out of Kentucky. His success has been a bit overshadowed with three other rookies starting on offense.

The linebacker from Milan, Tennessee, grew up a fan of the Titans, and he has played in every game this season. Williamson now has started the last six games, and he already ranks third on the team with 70 tackles. He easily is in position to top Alterraun Verner's 103 tackles in 2010 for most tackles by a rookie since 1999.

Williamson also is tied for second with three sacks, and he has six quarterback pressures along with seven tackles for loss.

"He's getting better and better every week," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "I think his recognition of what he's seen on the other side of the ball, he's got a lot confidence in how he's playing. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes, which is unusual for a young player like that. He's grown up quickly. It's been a great asset to have him, especially after Zach got hurt earlier this year."

The Titans lost Zach Brown a few plays into the season and tried to replace him with Zaviar Gooden. Despite not starting until the fifth game, Williamson currently is tied for third among NFL rookies in sacks and is second recovering two fumbles.

Speed and hard work are Williamson's biggest strengths. Film study is one of the habits that helped the 6-foot-1, 236-pound linebacker as a team captain at Kentucky last season. Whisenhunt said the Titans really liked Williamson's maturity after four years in college and were impressed with him during pre-draft interviews.

"Obviously, he loves football," Whisenhunt said. "I don't think you can ever anticipate that he would progress the way he did. You hope so, but it's been a real pleasant surprise."

The Titans now trust the rookie enough that Williamson wears the helmet with the communication device hearing from coaches to get his defensive teammates lined up each play.

But the Titans visit Philadelphia (7-3) on Sunday, and the Eagles' high-paced offense means defenses have to line up much more quickly than usual. So the Titans plan to help the rookie out by signaling in schemes from the sideline.

"We're not putting it all on him," Titans defensive coordinator Ray Horton said. "We'll make a couple adjustments how we call the game so everybody will be responsible, not just him."

That's fine with Williamson who just wants to help the team he grew up rooting for win. Taking time to savor everything he's doing will just have to wait until the offseason when he's back in Milan.

"There's a lot of people really supporting me back home," Williamson said.

Midseason Awards: Avery Williamson Defensive Rookie of the Year

October 30, 2014

By Joe Fann

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Over the course of the next four days, I’ll give out four midseason awards for defensive rookie of the year, offensive rookie of the year, defensive player of the year and offensive player of the year.

We’ll start this series with the Titans top defensive rookie this season -- Avery Williamson. The inside linebacker out of Kentucky is an easy choice for the award and he’s arguably been the team’s best defensive player since being thrust into the starting lineup in Week 5 against the Browns.

In his four starts, Williamson has recorded 25 total tackles, including his best game as a pro last week against Houston when he led the Titans with 10 tackles and logged his first career quarterback sack.

Williamson also recovered a fumble in back-to-back games against the Jaguars and Redskins. The first came deep in Titans territory when Jason McCourty hit the ball out of Ceceil Shorts’ hands with Williamson recovering it and running it back 41 yards to midfield. The turnover kept the Jaguars away from sure points and helped seal Tennessee’s second win of the season.

The very next week against the Redskins, Williamson was ‘Johnny on the Spot’ when Derrick Morgan sacked Kirk Cousins and knocked the ball loose. The fumble came straight into the awaiting arms of Williamson.

In his weekly press conference on Monday, head coach Ken Whisenhunt went out of his way to commend Williamson’s growth as a player and impact on the team. He was asked about Taylor Lewan and Zach Mettenberger providing a boost for the team and Whisenhunt added Williamson to the list.

“Avery is doing a good job of that defensively in large part with his play,” Whisenhunt said. “We’ve got some veteran guys on defense that are playing well that are leaders, and it’s nice to see Avery fitting into that group.”

The Titans selected Williamson in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft with the 151st overall selection. The linebacker finished his four-year career at Kentucky with 296 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Williamson makes career-high 10 tackles

Titans rookie Avery Williamson (54) tracked down the Texans' Arian Foster.

BY HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

October 26, 2014

Former University of Kentucky star Avery Williamson had a career-high and team-best 10 tackles, including his first quarterback sack, in the Tennessee Titans' 30-16 loss to the Houston Texans.

Eight of the rookie linebacker's tackles were solo and two were for a loss.

"I'm getting more comfortable and that's a part of it," he said. "I feel like I'm playing pretty good. We have to keep our head on straight and keep on working, and I feel like it is going to get better for me. The better I do, the more it helps the defense out."

Teammate and fellow ex-Cat Wesley Woodyard added six tackles and two of those were for a loss. And former Paducah Tilghman standout George Wilson had three tackles for the Titans.

"I like the fact that we were good at getting pressure on them early," Titans Coach Ken Whisenhunt said of his defense. "I appreciate the fight in our guys. Nobody quit, nobody gave up."

Mark Stoops understands how important Avery Williamson is

July 18, 2014

By LARRY VAUGHT

HOOVER, Ala. — Kentucky’s biggest question on defense is replacing middle linebacker Avery Williamson, the team’s leading tackler the last two season who is now with the Tennessee Titans.

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, a former defensive coordinator, certainly knows how important finding a replacement is.

“Me being a defensive guy my whole life, I think it’s always important as a defensive coach to be good through the middle. We know that you’ve got to be good everywhere,” he said during the SEC Media Days here Thursday. “You’ve got to have very talented guys everywhere, but from a leadership point of view, the guy in the middle of your defense, it’s real important.

“Maybe Bud (Dupree) can be our leader.We’re doing a lot of good things with Bud, getting very creative. Bud’s versatile, so we’re using him in a lot of different positions. He is a guy that can take command of the defense until somebody comes along in the middle that is a playmaker.”

Stoops also wants to see Kentucky dramatically improve on last year’s total of just three interceptions.

“Everybody fails to mention that we had more fumbles than anybody. Do we need to improve? Of course. We need to intercept some more balls. But you never know what might happen. Maybe we won’t get any fumbles and get more interceptions,” Stoops said.

Avery Williamson at the 2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere

Combine lifted Williamson’s draft stock, with UK assist

By Kyle Tucker

May 7, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Most of his life, Henry Williamson has been called by his name. These days, with a son expected to be selected in this week’s NFL Draft, he answers to something else around town in Milan, Tenn.

“I went to the eye doctor the other day and the lady asked me, ‘You Avery Williamson’s father?’ I said, ‘Yes, I sure I am.’ It’s been exciting,” Henry said. “People are always asking about him, talking about him. Some of them don’t even know me. But they know him.”

Williamson, an All-SEC linebacker last season at the University of Kentucky, will be back home in Tennessee the next three days to watch the draft and wait for his life to change. He won’t go in tonight’s first round and it would be a surprise if he’s taken in the second or third rounds Friday, but after a dazzling performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, his stock has significantly improved.

Once a fringe prospect, he’s now almost certain to be selected.

“It’s just so crazy. I’ve watched the draft since I was little — watched guys get their names called — and I’m going to be a part of that now. It’s mind-blowing. I still can’t believe it,” Williamson said. “We’re going to cook out and watch the TV — and keep my phone charged.”

He’ll gather with family and friends at home Saturday, the day he’s widely projected to be picked somewhere between the fourth and sixth rounds. Before the combine, where he measured 6-foot-1, 246 pounds with an impressive 7 percent body fat and ranked top 10 among all linebackers in five major physical tests, Williamson was a projected seventh-rounder or undrafted free agent.

“It was the world’s difference,” he said of his combine performance. “I was really under the radar, and putting up good times and numbers, that really showed that I’m one of the top guys in the linebacker class this year. That makes me look a lot better and gives them more reason to put me higher on their draft board.

“I can’t really say (who), but I can say a lot of teams have been calling. A lot of teams.”

Williamson’s agent is Neil Cornrich, who represents several NFL players as well as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Texans coach Bill O’Brien — not to mention Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops, brother of UK coach Mark Stoops. Cornrich said Williamson’s stock “increased exponentially” after the combine.

While he’d racked up 237 tackles the last two seasons, playing in the mighty Southeastern Conference no less, there were questions about Williamson’s speed, quickness and explosiveness. He answered those by posting the combine’s third-fastest shuttle run (4.07), sixth-fastest 40-yard dash (4.66), eighth-most reps on the 225-pound bench press (25) and ninth-best broad jump (10 feet) at his position. Winner of UK’s “Mr. Wildcat” award for all-round excellence in athletics, academics, character and service, Williamson also reportedly nailed his interviews.

NFLDraftScout.com now rates him the No. 8 inside linebacker available in the draft.

“They found out he was very fast, very smart and a very nice person,” Cornrich said. “It’s very rare that someone is so gifted in all those areas. A number of teams brought him in for individual visits. Those types of visits are usually reserved for really very good players. When he goes on visits to places where I have friends in those organizations, they all call back and go, ‘Wow, what a solid guy.’

“He has demonstrated that he possesses the characteristics to play 10 years in the NFL.”

But many teams might never have noticed if not for his standout combine performance. Williamson, his father and his agent say he owes that to Erik Korem and Corey Edmond, who run the cutting-edge “High Performance” program at Kentucky — a non-traditional strength-and-conditioning program head coach Mark Stoops installed when he took over the program last year.

“They did a spectacular job” with Williamson, Cornrich said. “If there were people better than those guys, we would hire them.”

Many agents push their clients to training facilities around the country — Florida, California and Arizona are popular spots — to prepare for the combine. One agent who recruited Williamson wanted him to relocate to Miami for workouts.

“I told him I didn’t think that would be a wise idea to go down there when he had training right there at Kentucky,” said his father. “After he stayed — and he could get his education and all that — he said he was real glad we made that decision. Kentucky really brought him a long ways. They really helped develop him.”

Now Williamson, whose only other scholarship offers coming out of high school were from Arkansas State and New Mexico, is on the cusp of becoming an NFL draft pick. And Henry Williamson has become Avery’s Dad around town.

“It’s something that we really hadn’t expected,” Henry said. “It’s just something we were hoping for. It’s a dream come true.”

Avery Williamson named Mr. Wildcat

April 28, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. - University of Kentucky Athletics presented 35 honors at the 12th annual CATSPY Awards, held Monday in Memorial Coliseum to recognize athletic and academic performances during the 2013-14 year. With co-winners in some categories, a total of six teams and 28 individuals were recognized.

Men's basketball and men's tennis, along with softball and women's track and field, were named Team of the Year for their achievements. The Kentucky men's basketball team finished the season on a magical postseason run that resulted in the program's 16th Final Four appearance and a spot in the national championship game.

Despite losing two all-Americans in singles and doubles from the year before, the UK men's tennis team still never left the top 15 of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. Kentucky finished the season ranked in the top 10 of the ITA team rankings for the third straight season and was one of only four teams in the last three years to do so. Additionally, they reached No. 4 in the ITA rankings on March 6, 2013, achieving the program's highest ranking since 2004.

The UK softball team tallied a school-record 41 wins, advancing to the second NCAA Super Regional in program history. The team earned a national seed and hosted an NCAA Regional for the first time ever, while finishing the season ranked inside the top 14 of both national rankings. UK softball also made its fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, becoming one of just 23 schools nationally to claim that honor.

The UK women's track and field team enjoyed its best indoor season in generations in 2014, a feat all the more remarkable considering how far it's come in just a two-year span. The Wildcats finished fourth with 72 points at the Southeastern Conference Championships this season, after finishing dead-last (12th) at the 2012 SEC Championships, which were held at home. UK had the 200m national champion and two individual SEC champions.

The Mr. and Miss Wildcat Awards are given for all-around excellence in athletics, academics, character and service. Avery Williamson (football) won the Mr. Wildcat award, while Lauren Cumbess (softball), won the Miss Wildcat award.

The Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to track's Dezerea Bryant. Bryant enjoyed the best indoor season by a female sprinter in UK history. She became the first NCAA Indoor 200m champion in 2014, and was also the SEC 60m dash champion. She has broken six school records this year.

The Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Matt Hillenbrand. Hillenbrand scored 20 points at the 2014 SEC Indoor Championships, the most by any individual at the nation's most competitive conference meet. He won both the 3,000 meters and defended his mile title. Hillenbrand also broke the 24-year-old school record with a time of 3:58.77, becoming just the third Wildcat ever to break four minutes.

The Academic Teams of the Year were men's and women's tennis. The Scholar-Athletes of the Year were Lindsay Hill (swimming) and Tyler Riggs (men's soccer).

A complete list of awards is below:

Community Service Award
Kastine Evans (Women's Basketball)
Max Godby (Football)

Wildcat Pride
Women's Swimming and Diving

Female Rookie of the Year
Kelsey Nunley (Softball)

Male Rookie of the Year
Julius Randle (Basketball)

Bill Keightley "Assist" Award
Justin "Pemo" McKinley (Equipment Manager)

Blue Heart Award
Josh Clemons (Football)
Ashley VanLandingham (Women's Soccer)

Female Scholar Athlete of the Year
Lindsay Hill (Swimming)

Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
Tyler Riggs (Soccer)

Female Academic Team of the Year
Tennis

Male Academic Team of the Year
Tennis

Impact
Mark Lane

Scratch Award
Micheal Thomas (Baseball)
Grace Trimble (Women's Tennis)

Supporting Role
Griffin Joiner (Softball)
Alex Poythress (Men's Basketball)

Heart of a Wildcat
Tom Jomby (Men's Tennis)

Female Performance of the Year
Dezerea Bryant (Track)
Kendra Harrison (Track)
Jennifer O'Neill (Basketball)

Male Performance of the Year
Connor Davis (Rifle)
Aaron Harrison (Basketball)
A.J. Reed (Baseball)

Female Athlete of the Year
Dezerea Bryant (Track)

Male Athlete of the Year
Matt Hillenbrand (Cross Country/Track)

Coach(es) of the Year
John Calipari (Men's Basketball)
Edrick Floreal (M/W Track and Field)
Rachel Lawson (Softball)

Female Teams of the Year
Softball
Track and Field

Male Teams of the Year
Basketball
Tennis

Miss Wildcat
Lauren Cumbess (Softball)

Mr. Wildcat
Avery Williamson (Football)

NFL Combine Standout: Avery Williamson

March 4, 2014

By Turron Davenport

There is a player that sends scouts back to the film room every year after they see him stand out at the combine. The linebackers and defensive lineman worked out at the combine recently. Avery Williamson, an inside linebacker from Kentucky is one guy that made me have to go back and take another look at his games. Williamson was a participant in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl prior to showing up at the combine.

Williamson posted a 4.07 in the short shuttle which was best among all linebackers. He also ran an official 4.66 in the forty yard dash. His 25 reps on the bench showed that he is strong enough to handle the rugged territory associated with playing in the middle of a defense. He ran well in all of the field drills and truly looked like he was comfortable taking drops or rushing the passer.

The 49ers linebackers coach Jim Leavitt took a liking to Williamson and it showed before he started a drill where Leavitt was the coach working the drills. Leavitt actually shook Williamson’s hand and gave him a few tips for the drill that he was about to execute.

If you look at the statistics, you will see that Williamson has had over 300 tackles in his career. That includes back to back seasons of over 100 tackles. His time in the SEC will surely be a good preparation for the NFL. One of Williamson’s teammates at Kentucky in 2012 was Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan. Seeing his teammate go to the NFL and be successful was the dangling carrot that served as motivation for Williamson. There are many similarities between the two but one thing stood out the most to Williamson about Trevathan. that one thing was the tremendous work ethic that Trevathan showed while at Kentucky.

Going into the draft season, there were some concerns about Williamson’s speed. His official time in the forty yard dash along with his short shuttle time should quiet those concerns. In fact, his short shuttle time was best among all linebackers. The projection for Williamson is at inside linebacker on a 3-4 defense. He will probably be a late round draft pick which means he will be called upon to be a special teams contributor. The last thing left for Williamson is to perform well at his pro day and private workouts for NFL teams.