Jah-Mal Williams grows through long journey to starting job at Troy

Although he was ranked among the top 85 defensive ends coming out of Cardinal Gibbons High School, Jah-Mal Williams had a long journey to work his way into a starting role in college. 

“Nobody is going to force you to be great,” Williams said. “It’s all on you: I’ve realized nobody is going to push you, and you’ve got to do it yourself.” 

Williams was ranked as a 3-star prospect and committed to Cincinnati over offers from Mississippi State and Arizona State. However, he started on the scout team with the Bearcats. 

“I wasn’t a guy that played early, so sticking to the process was important,” Williams said. “I knew I had to stay committed through it and see it through. I knew my day would come, but playing and getting reps would come later.” 

After putting in that work, Williams earned a role at Cincinnati – he made his collegiate debut against Eastern Kentucky and logged three tackles, ultimately playing in 10 games in 2023. The Carver Ranches, Florida, native chose to join head coach Gerad Parker and the Trojans for his junior season. 

“Troy was one of the only schools that reached out to me and showed me love,” Williams said. “Troy made me feel like I was at home.” 

As a Trojan, Williams played the 10th most snaps on defense among Troy players, finishing the year with 30 tackles and a sack. This season, he’s up to 3.5 sacks.  

As a bandit, Williams obviously loves getting to the quarterback. However, recording sacks is part of what sparked his love for the game. 

“I initially wanted to play defensive end and wide receiver,” Williams said. “One game, I had a sack, and I just knew I’d play defense for sure. After that, I played defensive end instead of receiver.” 

Family played a huge role in Williams’ journey, and it’s part of what got him into football in the first place. 

“I would see my bigger cousins play football and always watched and enjoyed their games,” Williams said. “I finally started playing at 11 years old.” 

After his family inspired him, Williams said he wants to be in the same role for others in his life. Williams has two younger brothers and two older sisters. 

“At the end of the day, I just want to set an example for my little brothers,” Williams said. “Family means everything – that’s why I’m here.” 

Williams said playing for his younger brothers is one of his greatest motivations on the gridiron, but his competitive nature and desire to improve also fire him up. 

“It’s also me going against myself and my confidence,” Williams said. “I try to tell myself I can do whatever I want out there instead of laying down and not doing it.” 

Since he’s been at Troy, Williams points to his position group as a way he’s picked up new skills. 

“I was here with Phillip Lee last year, and there are other guys in the room like Donnie Smith and Jabril McNeill,” Williams said. “Everybody has their own type of style and strengths, and whatever I see I think I’m capable of doing. I try to do it here and there.” 

Williams has his sights set high and said he wants to leave Troy with some hardware. 

“I just want to pull off a conference championship win,” Williams said. “I want to share that with Troy and the rest of the family here.”