D.J. Williams, left, makes a hit on Trevor Wright during a kick return Friday as the Chattanooga Mocs run through their first scrimmage at Finley Stadium.D.J. Williams’ opportunity to start at cornerback for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga may come a year earlier than he was expecting, but he feels ready for it.
The dismissal of two-time All-Southern Conference corner Dee Virgin in May created an opening heading into the 2016 season. Williams, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound redshirt freshman, is one of a number of players vying for it, although he has been practicing with the first team through the first week of preseason camp.
The former all-state player from Smyrna, Tenn., had 16 interceptions in his high school career.
“I’m happy to get this opportunity,” Williams said Thursday. “Last year I sat and watched and learned, but this is what I’ve been waiting for, an opportunity. Now I’m getting a chance and it’s time to work.”
The UTC coaching staff spent the spring prepping Williams to be a backup to Virgin and sophomore C.J. Fritz, which would allow junior Trevor Wright to move to the dime (extra DB) position. Now he finds himself in a battle with junior transfer Dy’Kari Hickey and true freshmen Cortez Davis and Adrian King for a starting spot.