From the CIAA
The 2022 National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine is currently taking place (March 1-7) in Indinapolis, IN. The annual event features hundreds of the top NFL prospects from the collegiate ranks conducting workouts and interviews with all 32 teams. This year’s field featured just four players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with former Fayetteville State Unversity and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) standout Joshua Williams among those participating.
Williams was the lone representative from the CIAA and one of just two players from the Division II ranks (Sam Webb, Missouri Western State) to be invited to the NFL Combine.
Coming in at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds with nearly 33-inch arms and hands that measured nine and a half inches, Williams had some of the top physical traits among the defensive back group at the event and had a solid workout in individual drills. The 2021 All-American and All-CIAA performer also ran a 4.53 40-yard dash while finishing top five among defensive backs a with 36-inch vertical jump and top six among the group with a 10’4″ broad jump.
Williams, a native of Fayetteville, NC, has been on the radar of NFL teams for quite some time and had a strong season in 2021 with 31 tackles and three interceptions, including returning one for a touchdown. He has continued to perform well and gain exposure this off-season by participating at the HBCU Combine, Senior Bowl, and East-West Shrine Game in addition to the NFL Combine – a feat that is rare for players coming from the Division II level.
To see the full report on Williams as a prospect from NFL.com, including footage of his combine workout, click HERE. Full coverage of the NFL combine can also be found at https://www.nfl.com/combine/.
