One former Saskatchewan Roughrider player is currently roaming the sidelines for the UBC Thunderbirds after spending five seasons battling in the trenches of the CFL.
Shomari Williams joined Michael Ball on Wednesday’s edition of the SportsCage.
The former number one overall pick of the 2010 CFL draft is currently the defensive line coach and recruitment coordinator with UBC.
Before entering the CFL, Williams played three seasons at the University of Houston. Following an early graduation from the Cougars, Williams transferred back north of the border and played at Queen’s Golden Gaels. He was a member of the team that claimed the 2009 Vanier Cup championship.
The Toronto native felt the best way to realize his CFL dreams was to finish his collegiate career north of the border.
“I just it would’ve been better for my chances to go through CFL if I played in Canada.” He added that in hindsight it worked out well for him.
With the first overall selection in the 2010 CFL Draft, the Saskatchewan Roughriders swung a trade with the Toronto Argonauts for the pick which they used to select the defensive end from Queen’s.
The draft day event for Williams was unforgettable.
“Just getting drafted that whole experience of getting drafted by Saskatchewan, being the first pick overall and I just remember just being around everybody BT (Brendan Taman), Craig Smith being there when they selected me watching it on tv, it was just a super cool experience. ”
In his first stint as a member of the Roughriders, Williams mostly playing on special teams, he did have five sacks over the 2011-12 seasons.
While the expectations for the first overall pick in the CFL are nowhere near other leagues, including the NFL, Williams says he was focused on the internal drive to be the best player that he could be.
“I think if there was external pressure, I think it wasn’t as much as the pressure as I put on myself”
After three seasons in green and white, the defensive end suited up the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the 2013 season. Williams was injured during the Grey Cup which was held in Regina as the Roughriders defeated the Tiger-Cats to claim the 101st Grey Cup.
A couple of months later he was traded back to Saskatchewan ahead of the 2014 season. Williams reflects back at his time in Riderville with fond memories, even though he missed out on the biggest celebration in the province.
The 2014 season was the only year Williams played in Saskatchewan during his second stint with the team, once again mostly on special teams.
Shomari Williams
Working with talent reaching to the next level was something Williams was doing even before he joined the UBC’s coaching staff but adds that he always studying in his roles with Thunderbirds.
“Especially when you’re playing the game you can kind of see what talent coaches are looking for, but I think you learn as you do it.”
As a recruitment coordinator, Williams believes he excels at the position with having the ability to relate to university players since he is only 37 years old, as well he feels that he’s relentless on the players.
The SportsCage airs Monday through Fridays on 620 CKRM from 4:00-6:30 with Michael Ball.
