By William Smith
All-star Burlington High School running back Bryant Williams isn’t embarrassed by his recent fame — he’s worked too hard to dismiss the fruits of his labor.
But you’re not going to hear about his accomplishments from him. The 17-year-old high school senior is soft-spoken; he wears his humility as effortlessly as his genial grin.
He uses the word “we” when questioned about his accomplishments.
“A lot of us worked out all summer, and we had a good group. We were ready for the season,” he said.
Williams helped the Burlington High School Grayhounds get to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. He scored the winning touchdown (one of four that game). Even the perpetually unruffled Williams was a bit surprised by that move.
“It was kind of crazy. That was my first time playing defense. I was blessed to be in that position,” he said.
Williams’ numbers for the season have been described as “video game-like” by sportswriters. He logged 2,025 yards for the season, scored 27 touchdowns on 194 carries, and broke 22 records, including the all-time rushing record. That last record means a lot to him.
“That was my goal,” he said.
"I think we only won one game that year," he said with a grin.
But that was no reason for Williams to abandon his trademark tenacity. Last year didn’t go much better. Williams was out most of the season with a tear in his calf muscle.
Then he came back blazing, hotter than hardly anyone anticipated, except for those who know him. His mother, Tammy Williams, said her son was obsessed with sports at a young age. Bryant himself doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t hitting or catching a ball.
“We knew at a young age he had talent,” Tammy Williams said.
Bryant is still a teenager and enjoys the usual indulgences during his scarce free time. He loves Chicken McNuggets dipped in barbecue sauce, a post-game favorite since McDonald’s is one of the few restaurants open that late.
Football dominates most of his attention outside of school. As for his teammates, his eyes light up when he speaks of them.
“He’s a good kid outside of school. He did an Alliant Energy in- internship last summer,” Tammy Williams said.
Tammy knew her baby — the youngest of seven children — had a bright future ahead of him. She has done everything she can to facilitate it. Bryant has been invited to and visited several colleges already.
One day, Bryant hopes to go pro. For now, his focus is on next season — wherever that may be.
“I have a lot of options,” Bryant said
