Toney Williams goes to high school in Georgia.
But dont call the University of Tennessees newest football commitment a Georgian. Hell correct you.
Im a Tennessee boy, Williams said Thursday afternoon.
More specifically, Williams is a Chattanooga native, and most of his family still lives in the Scenic City. He didnt move to Alpharetta, near Atlanta, until he was 13.
Since leaving Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts five years ago, Williams has blossomed into Milton High Schools 6-foot-1, 229-pound backfield bulldozer. He claims scholarship offers from Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Kentucky, North Carolina State, Mississippi State and Indiana, with Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Clemson still evaluating.
Williams said any non-Tennessee phone calls coming his way wouldnt draw much interest.
Im probably only going to take one (official) visit, and thats to Knoxville, he said. There was no point in waiting any longer to commit somewhere. I cant see myself being anything else but a Volunteer.
I love Tennessees history and tradition and facilities. Theyve always had great running backs and some great power backs.
Milton coach Scott Walker said recruiters like Williams because he can do a lot of things. He said some schools like him at tailback while some see him at fullback and others like him at both spots
Some coaches would be tempted to try a 6-foot-1, 230 pound player with 4.6-second 40-yard dash speed at lineback er. Williams hopes not.
Oh, Im sure Im a running back, he said. A big tailback ... but a tailback.
Williams uses the same trainer as Jamal Lewis, a big tailback who spent three seasons at UT between Atlanta-area high school stardom and NFL success. That definitely played a big part in my decision, Williams said. Williams didnt start watching much college football until he had moved to Georgia when I first thought I could get a scholarship, I paid it more attention, he joked. He developed a quick interest in the Volunteers.
Some people down here call me Tennessee boy, he said. Thats fine. I am a Tennessee boy. Thirteen years in Chattanooga, and soon Im coming to Knoxville.
I cant wait to get up there and play Georgia. Theres so many Georgia fans down here that ... I just cant wait to play those guys.
