Jarris Williams builds on strong work ethic, grittiness as a Trojan

This story was originally featured in Troy Athletics Gameday Program

Throughout his journey from Blount High School to the Sun Belt Championship Game, senior running back Jarris Williams is as hard-working as they come. He picked Troy because he felt the program matches that mentality. 

“The atmosphere at Troy is different,” Williams said. “We don’t always have as much stuff as everybody else, but we’re going to work and grind for it.  

“Nothing is given. Troy is the perfect spot for me.” 

From the start of his football journey, Williams has had to work to earn his place. Although most people in his family didn’t play football, Williams learned the game from his uncle.  

“Football isn’t really in my genes, but my uncle taught me how to play football,” Williams said. “I fell in love with football and started taking it seriously around seventh grade.” 

Williams – a Mobile, Alabama, native – said he has a strong relationship with his uncle to this day. 

“We have a good bond, and he’s like a dad to me,” Williams said. “He always told me to be better and try to stand out. Whether it’s offense, defense or special teams, he would always tell me to put my name in the papers.” 

Special teams is where Williams stands out. As a redshirt freshman and a sophomore, he played a solid amount of snaps on special teams – Williams’ only regret is he didn’t start sooner. 

“I hate that I didn’t get on special teams my freshman year,” Williams said. “I care about special teams more than offense and defense, because special teams wins games.” 

Additionally, Williams said playing more special teams could have helped his development as a player. 

“If you just play one side of the ball, I feel like scouts and recruiters are just going to get somebody else that can run the ball and play special teams over somebody that just plays one side of the ball,” Williams said. 

Throughout his journey, Williams has dealt with injuries that have hindered him. In 2024, Williams was sidelined by a season-ending injury after rushing twice for seven yards against Iowa. However, he’s kept a positive outlook throughout the process. 

“I never put my head down or got down about it,” Williams said. “My mom and my grandma always told me that stuff happens for a reason, and I believe that. I don’t panic, don’t give up and don’t fall out. I just get back to work.” 

One of Williams’ biggest motivations is imparting his knowledge and experience to younger players. 

“What motivates me is seeing younger kids do the same things I used to do, because I was once that kid,” Williams said. “I’m able to tell them all my wrongdoings and let them know exactly how it goes. I had to learn a lot, and I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs.” 

When he first got to Troy, Williams said it was a tough adjustment to make. He came to Troy after rushing for 1,352 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior at Blount High School. 

“The biggest challenge is coming from high school where you’re ‘that guy,’” Williams said. “You have to realize that when you come to college and you’re a freshman, you have to work to get that role again. You have to start on the scout team and work your way up.” 

Overall, Williams hopes to leave a lasting impact on Troy with his personality and work ethic. 

“The mark I want to leave is being one of a kind,” Williams said. “It doesn’t even have to be on the field – when you say my name, I want people to remember my personality and how I interact with people, even if I just met you.”