The Panthers are bringing in a proven winner with a track record of production by signing former Sacramento State receiver Pierre Williams.
"Pierre is a complete receiver with game-changing ability to win downfield," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He has the skill and twitch to be a great high-volume target in the short and intermediate games with the ability to produce against any coverage."
Following his redshirt year, Williams was a consistent force for Sacramento State winning three straight Big Sky Conference titles. He ended his college career among the best to ever play for the Hornets--ranking #2 all-time in receiving yards, #4 in career touchdowns and #5 in receptions.
"I'm adaptable and very smart. What I may lack in athleticism, I make up with my intellect. I can see things develop on the field and I'd like to think I'm very reliable. Like in my college career, if we needed a play, throw it to number 84," said Williams.
Coming out of high school in Patterson, CA, Williams fell off the college recruiting radar after breaking his ankle in the second game of his senior season. It took playing 7-on- 7 for SWAG (Students with Aspiring Goals), a non-profit out of Merced County that kept his playing hopes alive. A call to Sacramento State led to an official visit. From off the grid to Division I, Williams became a Hornet.
One of the program-defining wins was on Nov. 11, 2019, at Northern Arizona. The Hornets trailed 34-24 with under two minutes left and a loss would crush hopes of a conference title. But after a touchdown to make it a one-score game, the sophomore Williams recovered an onside kick to give Sac State one final chance. With 23 seconds left, Williams caught the game-winning 5-yard TD pass from backup QB Jake Duniway for a 38-34 win. Sacramento State would earn a share of the Big Sky Conference title for the first time in school history.
"That game can be applied in any life lesson. Anything in life with injuries or struggles in your personal life, it's the same thing. You never know what can happen and the blessings that can be presented to you to you at any moment. It's times like that you wonder how I'm going to get out of this. It teaches you to keep pushing. If you fail or something doesn't come to fruition like you want it to, it's preparing you for something bigger," said Williams.
The 2019 season marked a dramatic program turnaround. The year before, the Hornets were winless in the Big Sky Conference. Fast forward to Williams' senior year and Sac State captured three straight Big Sky titles and captured an FCS playoff win for the first time in school history.
In 2022, the Hornets reached the FCS quarterfinals before falling to Incarnate Word 66-63 in a game for the ages. The teams combined for the most points in FCS playoff history and the Hornets rolled up 738 yards of total offense. Williams caught eight passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns in his final college game.
"It was about six months later when it hit me that might be the last time I played football. That's what I'm going to have to live with," said Williams. "And that's what lit the fire in me. When I'm done with football, I want it to be when I choose to be done with it."
Many experts projected Williams as a potential late-round draft pick who would at the very least draw interest as an undrafted free agent. Williams had made contact with 10 NFL teams prior to the draft, taking surveys and filling out questionnaires.
At the time, Williams did not have an agent and went unsigned.
During the Panthers 2023 playoff run, Keefe reached out to Williams. It took a few months to close the deal, but Williams learned about the Panthers' reputation for being a springboard to higher leagues. He sees the potential to strengthen his resume while pursuing another championship.
"Knowing me and what I can do, I should be able to go in there and do the exact same thing. Hopefully, I can put out some good tape and open some eyes. I want to remind people who may have forgotten and let them know I'm still here," said Williams.
Playing in the Bay Area, Williams will have a support system nearby. Williams' home in Gustine is about a 90-minute drive to San Jose. His family will travel just as far as they did to see him play in Sacramento.
In the era of scouting combine data, a player like Williams often slips through the cracks. His true value is appreciated by watching his body of work on film and looking at the numbers he put up on Saturdays. He embraces the chance to put his skills on display while learning some different nuances of the indoor game.
"At the end of the day, I'm a football player and can adapt to every situation. As for the intricacies of the game and how to win in the indoor setting, I think I'll be okay. Of course, you have to experience things and figure them out in real time. With practice and coaching, I'll figure it out," said Williams.
Bay Area Panthers 2024 Home Schedule
Sunday, March 31, 3:05 p.m. v. Arizona Rattlers
Saturday, April 20, 6:05 p.m. v. San Diego Strike Force
Saturday, May 4, 6:05 p.m v. Vegas Knight Hawks
Saturday, May 25, 6:05 p.m. v. San Antonio Gunslingers
Saturday, June 8, 6:05 p.m. v. Tucson Sugar Skulls
Sunday, June 16, 3:05 p.m. v. San Diego Strike Force
Sunday, July 7, 3:05 p.m. v. Northern Arizona Wranglers
Saturday, July 13, 6:05 p.m. v. Duke City Gladiators
