The Panthers continue to put the pieces of a championship together with the signing of former Delaware State defensive lineman Isaiah Williams.
"Isaiah has elite size, length and athleticism to create loads of production and be disruptive," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "We are excited to see him use his ability to wreck and alter offensive game plans."
Sounds good for Williams who earned First-Team All-MEAC three times at Delaware State after beginning college as an undersized nose guard with limited playing time. The Hornet's defense was top ranked in the conference and as high as eighth in the nation. He's eager to be able to take on a single offensive lineman in the IFL as opposed to having to shed multiple blockers in college.
"Pass rushing's my specialty so I've just got to beat my man one on one," said Williams. "In the MEAC, I'm known to have been triple-teamed and still beating it. I'm excited to have more one on ones."
Willams' older brother, Chris, was picked up by the Cleveland Browns late in the season after a standout career at Wagner. One of Chris' teammates was Panther's defensive star Tevaughn Grant, whom Isaiah views as another big brother. Grant has trained with the younger Williams and gives a ringing endorsement.
"This is a guy whose talents transcend the game of football itself," said Bay Area star defensive lineman Tevaughn Grant. "We trained together and lived together. You're getting a guy that gives you everything and more. And when there's nothing else to give, he's somehow going to find more to give."
Williams feels being with the Panthers will provide a chance to showcase his game after workouts with the XFL and UFL. The connection he made with Keefe closed the deal.
"I loved his energy on the phone and how passionate he is. Those are the kind of people I want to be around," said Williams.
Growing up in New York, most kids grew up wanting to play basketball like former NBA players Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair. But the Williams boys wanted to carve out their own path.
"We wanted to be different and play football. At a young age, we were always competitive with each other," said Williams. We were always looking for new ways to work. That's been our lives since about the age of 12. I just can't be sitting at home."
The Brooklyn native understands the IFL is entertainment and he's eager to highlight the fan experience. It's just an extension of Williams' background as a performer. As a child actor, he appeared in episodes of Law and Order and earned a small role in the Will Smith film "Pursuit of Happyness." However, the 3-year-old Williams refused to use a curse word in the scene by the basketball court and was replaced by an understudy.
"We rehearsed at home but when we got on the set and all the adults and everybody looking, I knew I was supposed to curse around adults," said Williams. "I was too nervous to say it, which is interesting because I'd never gotten nervous before."
There will be no jitters on the field for Williams, who's confident with his game while understanding he needs to improve.
"I like to say I have the same purpose but new intentions every day," said Williams. "Bigger, better, faster, stronger and trying to break down barriers of things I thought I couldn't do. I want to let myself be free on the field while being smart and intentional."
