Boise State roster countdown 2018: Day 26, Avery Williams

#26 might have been the surprise of the year (aside from LVE earning MW DPOY). Seemingly coming out of nowhere and blowing up special team for the Broncos, not to mention being a lock-down corner. Let’s refresh our memories of Avery Williams.

#26, Avery Williams, RS Sophomore, CB

Stats

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 197 lbs. (+3 lbs)

High School/College: JSerra Catholic HS, Pasadena, CA

How’d he get to The Blue™?

Avery came to the Blue as a lightly recruited walk-on. He mostly got interest from lower division schools, but nothing of notable interest. He walked on to the Bronco squad and earned Special Team Scout Player of the Year honors as a red shirt freshman. The rest, they say, is history.

Nickname

“Big Ave”

It’s what he calls himself, so I shall call him that as well.

Look-alike

Actor/Comedian Anthony Anderson

Career Highlights

I think we all know some of his highlights, but if not, I’ll enlighten you a bit. Avery had 2 punt returns for touchdowns, one against Troy and one against SDSU. He earned himself a spot on the All-Mountain West Second Team after 27 punt returns for 303 yards and 2 TDs, 15 kick returns for 371 yards, and 45 total tackles, 10 passes defended and 2 interceptions. He garnered Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year recognition this summer.

He earned Trinity League Co-MVP in 2015 as a senior at JSerra after rushing for 1,175 yards and 14 TDs.

2018 Prospectus

The depth chart was released a couple of weeks ago and that helped shed a bit of light on some things. Avery is sitting pretty as a starter at both corner and punt returner. I pretty well cemented himself at both positions, so I don’t forsee anyone supplanting him. Jermani Brown had a lot of praise coming out of spring camp, earning him a spot behind Williams. Jermani was a highly touted recruit, a 4-star even, so it’s no surprise to see him in a key role. I fully expect Williams to keep his spot as a starter.

Keep an eye on Chris Mitchell in fall camp. Tyric LeBeauf will be looking to earn some early playing time as well. I don’t anticipate either to beat out Williams, though. Of the positions on the roster, Horton and Williams are two of the safest (except Rypien of course).

Is he on Twitter?

Sniffle...he’s proud of his teammates!

Completely made up fact

Avery is well known for his considerable strength in the weight room. A little known strength he has, though, is the strength of his thumbs. He is undefeated in thumb wars (387-0) and I dare you to try and beat him. I hope you have a good insurance policy.