Tennessee defensive lineman Jordan Williams (54) celebrates an interception during the first half of their NCAA college football game against Austin Peay, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in Knoxville.KNOXVILLE – Tennessee defensive end Jordan Williams is no stranger to Gainesville and the Florida Gators.
The Volunteers junior grew up in the Gators’ home city and played at Gainesville High School just a couple of miles away from Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. His father Keith even played for the Gators.
Williams said he’s excited to get back to his hometown and play in front of his family, which he’ll do when Tennessee visits 19th-ranked Florida on Saturday.
“My dad is definitely going to be in the stands to cheer me on,” he said Tuesday. “My quarterback in high school is actually a walk-on there, and I know a couple of the guys.”
Williams was a true freshman for Tennessee’s last trip to Florida, a 33-23 loss in 2011, but he didn’t play in that game and made his collegiate debut in the Vols’ next game against Buffalo.