2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Roland Williams III, CB, Abilene Christian University

• Name: Roland Williams III
• Position: CB/Nickel
• College: Abilene Christian University 
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 188
• Twitter: Ro_will15
• Instagram: Ro_will15

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

My speed and hips. (4.39 laser forty, 41.5 vertical, 10’7 broad, and 4.01 shuttle). I can keep up with any offensive weapon regardless of speed. My hips enable me to play in the slot also. I’m strong enough to compete with bigger receivers regardless of size. (Bench 225 21 times, 375 max).  My special team’s attributes are also a plus. At gunner, the team will not be able to return punts. Prevented the number 1 returner in FCS, Ezzards at SHSU, from returning any positive kicks, while generating a muffed punt and a tackle. My defensive back skills translate well at punt return blocking for the returner. I was a safety on kick-off but can use my speed to run down the field. I have great ball skills, with the added speed, to return kicks also. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was introduced to football around the age of 6. I played for a Memphis city youth sports team called Elmore Park Packers.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

My work ethic is unmatched. No one has to tell me to “get going.” I make my own motivation, regardless of life circumstances. I am the most consistent player on and off the field or in the weight room. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Any shoe organization. Over 300 million kids walk the earth barefoot. I deal with minor issues like blisters due to football but could not imagine a kid constantly dealing with foot pain. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Closed mouth don’t get fed.” 

Who was your childhood hero?

My father. He as always believed I could have my football dream fulfilled yet strived for me to have options. This time next year, I’ll have my master’s degree in marketing while pursuing a professional career in football. He showed me the best of both worlds. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Anthony Egbo, is a cornerback for our team. His energy is always high regardless of his circumstances. High GPA kid that is always striving to help the team, whether on defense or special teams. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who accept mediocrity are pessimistic. “I can’t do this” type of people. Anything is possible. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Twice in my career. First was going through the Air Force Academy, my first college in the mountain west. The military part was too much for a teenage version of me so I transferred but learned a lot about myself. The second was during covid, when my undergrad school The University of Richmond, canceled the fall season. I was off to a great spring before my year was taken away. I was graduating and did not know if football was still in the picture. ACU threw an offer and I was a silent commit. All I cared about was getting my degree and balling. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Small, recently inducted, D1 college in texas. Plays high competition at the FCS level. It’s special because it took a chance on me when there was so much uncertainty. Now, with the addition of most of the former Texas Tech staff, this program feels like a real D1 playoff-contender team. My last season will be memorable. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Great American Cookies, hands down

What is the best part of football?

The workouts. I love grinding in the off-season and building anticipation. I love seeing my body change over months cause of hard work. No other sport is as rigorous as football in this aspect. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

A wolverine fears no animal, and yet I’m not afraid of anyone I match up with. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Taron Johnson

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

1. My grandma, and to see if everything I’m doing is right. 
2. Shaquille O’Neal, to understand how to make correct marketing and business moves to maintain generational wealth from my family on. 
3. Jaire Alexander, to see how slow the game feels for him at the highest level regardless of his size. Teach tape and mental breakdowns that I may not see from myself.