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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Williams Credits His Team of Supporters
November 16, 2009 | Football
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| Senior OL Trent Williams |
Whether it is one or many, having someone who believes in you, pushes you and holds you accountable for your actions is the secret behind many success stories. While most people are lucky to have one such individual in their life, Trent Williams has a team of supporters who, he says, are responsible for his success on and off the field.
Growing up, Williams had aspirations to be a basketball player. That changed when coach John King of Longview High School stepped in his life.
"He made me love the game of football," Williams said. "He kept me motivated and kept me going in football. He really did a lot for me and I owe him a whole lot."
While King prides himself on being involved with his players off of the field, he recognizes that with Williams the relationship was different.
"We did have a special relationship, and I think a lot of that had to do with how close I was to his family and just being able to treat Trent like he was one of my own," King said. "I remember one conversation with his mother when I had a little problem with him and she told me, 'Coach King, just send my baby home breathing. Do whatever you have to do to make him work, but send him home breathing. You have my blessing to handle him however.'"
Growing up, Williams had aspirations to be a basketball player. That changed when coach John King stepped into his life. |
"He stayed on me in every aspect from getting up out of bed in the summer to finding me a job in the summer," Williams said.
Although Williams and King are now in different states, their relationship remains. They remain in contact and Williams still listens and respects King's advice as much today as he did in high school.
"He still calls and gets on to me a lot now," Williams said. "When he watches my games, it is just like a coach watching film. He will call and tell me about all my mistakes on the phone, and he isn't afraid to tell me about anything. I still really value his input."
Even though King does realize the impact of his support on Williams, he credits Williams for his own success.
"Another driving force
for me is my parents and seeing how hard they have worked every day of my life." |
Another key ingredient to the support system behind Williams is his family. With parents that instilled his work ethic, Williams realizes how fortunate he is to have such a strong family.
"Another driving force for me is my parents and seeing how hard they have worked every day of my life," Williams said. "I have no excuse not to make the most out of this opportunity."
According to Williams, the impact his older brother Frederick Williams, age 23, has in his life is yet another contributor to his success in life and football.
"I showed him right from wrong. I told him I have been down this road before and you do not need to go down that way," his brother said. "I am his biggest fan, his biggest supporter. He can always come ask me for my opinion because I will give him an honest answer because I want him to succeed."
His older brother can also attest to the impact of King, as he played with his younger brother in high school.
| With the help of his coach family and personal work ethic, it is no wonder Williams is in the position he is in today. |
With the help of his coach, family and personal work ethic, it is no wonder Williams is in the position he is today. With graduation growing nearer and National Football League dreams within his grasp, it is Williams' last piece of advice that provides evidence that King's message was received.
"I would tell somebody to take their time and, when they work in football, try to match that effort on the academic side," Williams added. "You will get a whole lot more out of the football experience then because you will have a two-way street. You do not want to have all your eggs in one basket."
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Feature by Lacy Barnes | OU Athletics Media Relations
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