Williams working toward accomplishing dream

Julian Williams started on the offensive line for three seasons at North Carolina State. Now, the 6-foot-5, 309-pound New Bern grad is preparing for his next move.

Williams is training with Architect Sports & Physical Therapy in Charlotte, working to fulfill his goal of playing professional football.

“I just try to think positive about it,” he said. “I’m just working hard every day. I’m getting better and that’s the main thing.”

Williams’ pro day will be in mid-March at N.C. State, where he will be tested by scouts from nearly every NFL team. He will show off his agility, vertical leap and 40-yard dash.

“I’ve been working on my strength and endurance, just making sure I am in shape,” Williams said. “This is just as much mental as it is physical.”

Williams said he is confident his NFL draft stock will rise after scouts evaluate him in March. The draft is scheduled for April 22-24. Another New Bern grad, Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty, also hopes to hear his name called on draft day.

 “I’m hoping to draw some interest from some teams,” Williams said. “If I get drafted, that would be wonderful. I’m just hoping for an opportunity to showcase my talent. That’s all you can ask for.”

At N.C. State, Williams missed three games as a sophomore and three as a senior due to knee injuries. He said he is healthy and ready to resume his career.

“My knee is holding up pretty good,” Williams said. “I feel pretty healthy right now. I’ve done everything to stay in shape.”

At Architect Sports, Williams is training with former NFL player Gerald Williams and members of the Carolina Panthers. Former East Carolina players Patrick Pinkney, Sean Allen and Terrence Campbell are also working out in Charlotte.

The NFL-hopefuls work on speed and conditioning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and follow up with football drills from 10 to 11 a.m. The afternoon session consists of strength-training.

Julian Williams said Gerald Williams has given the group some helpful advice.

“He’s been helping us out a lot,” Williams said. “He has been giving us tips on what to look out for and how to have a long career. He tells us how to take care of your body and what to look for from scouts.”

N.C. State finished 5-7 in 2009, failing to make a bowl game.

The Wolfpack ended the season with a 28-27 win over rival North Carolina, which marked their third-straight win over the Tar Heels.

“Since we didn’t go to a bowl game, that was pretty much our bowl game,” Williams said. “We took them the last three years, so we pretty much own them. What was most memorable about that game was that it was the last time playing with my teammates.”

N.C. State’s offense racked up 394 yards per game in 2009.

Williams played in one bowl game at N.C. State — a 29-23 loss to Rutgers in the Papajohns.com Bowl on Dec. 29, 2008.

“I think I’ve accomplished a lot at State,” Williams said. “I wish I didn’t have as many injuries that I did, but things happen. I’ve enjoyed my teammates over the years.”

At New Bern, Williams was selected to the all-state team and was a Shrine Bowl pick as a senior. The Bears posted a 26-4 record during Williams’ junior and senior seasons. As a junior, Williams didn’t allow a sack as New Bern played for a 4AA state championship.

Davon Drew, another former New Bern grad, was selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft last year.

Adam Thompson can be reached at 252-635-5670 or at athompson@freedomenc.com.