By Jami Proksa
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. – In hopes of pursing his dream to play college football, linebacker Darrell Williams was optimistic and open during his recruiting process. But it didn't take long for him to figure out that Auburn was the place for him.
Three years later, Auburn has become more than a school for the Hoover, Ala., product. It has become home his home, and the people there have become part of his family.
"Here at Auburn, everybody knows everybody," Williams said. "You've got somebody to look out for you, so you never feel like you're alone in a situation. Even the culture we have here in athletics, it's like a family, too."
As Williams approaches his senior season and reflects on his first three years at Auburn, there's a memory from his freshman season that sticks out. The season itself wasn't one to remember and Williams only played a handful of snaps that year, but there was a Thursday night game at Kentucky – Auburn won, 30-27 – that he'll always remember.
"That wasn't one of our greatest seasons, but that Kentucky game was really fun to play in and had a nice atmosphere," Williams said. "We were on the road, needed that win, and it was on a Thursday, so it just really sticks out."
Since that freshman season, Williams has made 23 starts and recorded 109 career tackles, including 57 tackles – third-most on the team – and four tackles for loss last season. He's also been a part of 18 wins and an SEC West championship last year.
And whether it be on or off the field, Williams has taken part in numerous memorable moments at Auburn, and throughout every single of them, he had his teammates by his side. That's what he'll remember the most from his time on the Plains – the relationships he's made with his fellow players and the memories they created. That's what he'll treasure for the rest of his life.
"Among my teammates, everybody knows that they can come to me for anything," Williams said. "And if I can help, I'll help. Going through stuff with the other guys on the team, you know it really just makes your relationships stronger. I really try to be a laid-back guy that anyone can talk to about anything."
In addition to being a good teammate, Williams is currently juggling his football responsibilities with school responsibilities, his commitment to his faith and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a social life. But through it all, he continues to push forward.
"It's not easy to balance it all, but it can be done." Williams said. "However, for school, the biggest challenge is just being disciplined. You may be tired from workouts or practice, but you still have to make yourself do the work, even if it's the last thing you want to do right then."
The determination and hard work won't stop for after graduation. Williams hopes to play in the National Football League when he's done at Auburn, but once that dream is fulfilled, he wants to stay and work in the sports world, specifically in a business aspect. He's currently majoring in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on business leadership and sports coaching.
Even Williams sometimes can't believe that he's already a senior. But with the drive and focus that he possesses, there is no stopping him on his way to success.
"[Senior year] came too fast – it's unreal," he said. "Now I can't believe it's here, but I can definitely feel the transformation as far as my role on the team. I've got guys looking up to me, so I have to hold myself to a higher standard.
"I really just want to seize the moment because I don't have much time left here at Auburn. I have to make every moment count."
Jami Proksa is a student assistant with Auburn athletics communications.
