Oct. 4, 2016
Chris Williams, one of the finest offensive linemen in modern Commodore history, will be celebrated as Vanderbilt’s Southeastern Conference Legend this December.
Williams will be recognized as part of SEC Football Championship Weekend activities, scheduled Dec. 2-4 in Atlanta.
Raised in a small community near Baton Rouge, La., Williams started on the Commodore offensive line from 2005-07, finishing his career with 33 consecutive starts.
As a senior co-captain, Williams was one of the league’s most dominant left tackles, becoming the first Commodore offensive lineman to earn First Team All-SEC honors in more than two decades. He also received first team all-league recognition from Associated Press writers. During his senior season, Williams earned a “winning” blocking grade in all 12 games, concluding the year by capturing his second straight Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award from the coaching staff.
He also was a two-time recipient of the SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week honors, earning the award after a decisive win over Ole Miss in 2007 and following a road victory at nationally ranked Georgia in 2006.
The 6’6″ Williams arrived on the Vanderbilt campus far from a complete player. A product of Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Williams was 235 pounds when he came to campus. As a sophomore two years later, Williams had bulked up to 300 pounds, was starting at guard, and exhibiting a raw combination of strength and agility.
After an impressive Senior Bowl, Williams become the Commodore lineman selected highest in the modern NFL Draft. He was taken 14th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2008 draft, and remains the last Vanderbilt player selected as a first-round pick.
Despite playing through several injuries, Williams enjoyed a seven-year NFL career, starting at tackle and guard for the Bears and Buffalo Bills.
Williams, who completed a degree in Human and Organizational Development, resides in the Nashville area.
Other former league standouts to be recognized during SEC Championship weekend are OL Chris Samuels, Alabama; Ol Shawn Andrews, Arkansas; QB Jason Campbell, Auburn; QB Steve Spurrier, Florida; OL Jon Stinchcomb, Georgia; TE James Whalen, Kentucky; OL Robert Dugas, LSU; TE Kris Mangum, Ole Miss; OL Randy Thomas, Miss. State; DE Justin Smith, Missouri; OL Travelle Wharton, South Carolina; Deon Grant, Tennessee; and DB Ray Mickens, Texas A&M.
A list of all-time Vanderbilt SEC Legends follows:
2016 Chris Williams, OT, 2005-08
2015 Earl Bennett, WR, 2005-07
2014 Jonathan Goff, LB, 2004-07
2013 Jimmy Williams, RB/DB, 1997-2000
2012 Hunter Hillenmeyer, LB, 1999-2002
2011 Corey Harris, DB/RB, 1988-91
2010 Corey Chavous, DB, 1994-97
2009 Jamie Duncan, LB, 1995-97
2008 Shelton Quarles, LB, 1990-93
2007 Chuck Scott, WR/TE, 1981-84
2006 Eric Jones, QB, 1986-88
2005 Chris Gaines, LB, 1984-87
2004 Boo Mitchell, WR, 1985-88
2003 Whit Taylor, QB, 1972-82
2002 Jim Arnold, punter, 1979-82
2001 Will Wolford, OT, 1982-85
2000 Herb Rich, RB, 1946-49
1999 Bob Werckle, OT, 1947-51
1998 Charley Horton, RB, 1952-55
1997 Bucky Curtis, WR, 1947-50
1996 John Hall, OL, 1951-54
1995 Bob Asher, OT, 1967-69
1994 Bill Wade, QB, 1949-51
