Troy University Athletics
Grit and Perseverance: Jarris Williams’ Foundation for Football
11/6/2025 12:28:00 PM | Football
TROY, Ala. – Troy senior running back Jarris Williams has built his career on grit and perseverance. For Williams, hard work is not optional — it's his foundation.
"The atmosphere at Troy is different," Williams said. "We don't always have as much as everybody else, but we're going to work and grind for it. Nothing is given. Troy is the perfect spot for me."
That work-first mentality has carried him through the highs and lows of football. While football wasn't a family tradition, Williams was introduced to the game by his uncle, who remains a guiding influence.
"Football isn't really in my genes, but my uncle taught me how to play," Williams said. "I fell in love with it around seventh grade."
The Mobile, Alabama, native said his relationship with his uncle remains strong.
"We have a good bond, and he's like a dad to me," Williams said. "He always told me to be better and try to stand out. Whether it's offense, defense or special teams, he would always tell me to put my name in the papers."
For Williams, special teams became the stage where he embraced that advice. As a redshirt freshman and sophomore, he carved out a role on special teams and quickly recognized its value.
"I hate that I didn't get on special teams my freshman year," Williams said. "I care about special teams more than offense and defense, because special teams win games."
Williams also believes those snaps shaped him into a more complete player.
"If you just play one side of the ball, I feel like scouts and recruiters are just going to get somebody else that can run the ball and play special teams over somebody that just plays one side of the ball," he said.
Adversity has been a constant challenge for Williams. In 2024, he suffered a season-ending injury after just two carries against Iowa. Instead of allowing it to derail his mindset, he leaned on the lessons instilled by his family.
"I never put my head down or got down about it," Williams said. "My mom and my grandma always told me that stuff happens for a reason, and I believe that. I don't panic, I don't give up and I don't fall out. I just get back to work."
That resilience has also fueled his leadership. Williams said one of his biggest motivations is mentoring younger players, guiding them through the same challenges he once faced.
"What motivates me is seeing younger kids do the same things I used to do, because I was once that kid," Williams said. "I'm able to tell them all my wrongdoings and let them know exactly how it goes. I had to learn a lot, and I've been through a lot of ups and downs."
Adjusting to the college game was one of those challenges. Williams rushed for 1,352 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior at Blount but quickly discovered that success at the next level required patience.
"The biggest challenge is coming from high school where you're 'that guy,'" Williams said. "You have to realize that when you come to college and you're a freshman, you have to work to get that role again. You have to start on the scout team and work your way up."
Now a senior, Williams has grown into his role as a veteran leader who values the relationships he's built as much as the plays he's made.
"The mark I want to leave is being one of a kind," Williams said. "It doesn't even have to be on the field — when you say my name, I want people to remember my personality and how I interact with people, even if I just met you."
For Williams, that mark is less about yards and touchdowns and more about the impression he leaves as a teammate, leader and person. His story at Troy isn't just about football — it's about resilience, mentorship and the relentless pursuit of growth.
"The atmosphere at Troy is different," Williams said. "We don't always have as much as everybody else, but we're going to work and grind for it. Nothing is given. Troy is the perfect spot for me."
That work-first mentality has carried him through the highs and lows of football. While football wasn't a family tradition, Williams was introduced to the game by his uncle, who remains a guiding influence.
"Football isn't really in my genes, but my uncle taught me how to play," Williams said. "I fell in love with it around seventh grade."
The Mobile, Alabama, native said his relationship with his uncle remains strong.
"We have a good bond, and he's like a dad to me," Williams said. "He always told me to be better and try to stand out. Whether it's offense, defense or special teams, he would always tell me to put my name in the papers."
For Williams, special teams became the stage where he embraced that advice. As a redshirt freshman and sophomore, he carved out a role on special teams and quickly recognized its value.
"I hate that I didn't get on special teams my freshman year," Williams said. "I care about special teams more than offense and defense, because special teams win games."
Williams also believes those snaps shaped him into a more complete player.
"If you just play one side of the ball, I feel like scouts and recruiters are just going to get somebody else that can run the ball and play special teams over somebody that just plays one side of the ball," he said.
Adversity has been a constant challenge for Williams. In 2024, he suffered a season-ending injury after just two carries against Iowa. Instead of allowing it to derail his mindset, he leaned on the lessons instilled by his family.
"I never put my head down or got down about it," Williams said. "My mom and my grandma always told me that stuff happens for a reason, and I believe that. I don't panic, I don't give up and I don't fall out. I just get back to work."
That resilience has also fueled his leadership. Williams said one of his biggest motivations is mentoring younger players, guiding them through the same challenges he once faced.
"What motivates me is seeing younger kids do the same things I used to do, because I was once that kid," Williams said. "I'm able to tell them all my wrongdoings and let them know exactly how it goes. I had to learn a lot, and I've been through a lot of ups and downs."
Adjusting to the college game was one of those challenges. Williams rushed for 1,352 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior at Blount but quickly discovered that success at the next level required patience.
"The biggest challenge is coming from high school where you're 'that guy,'" Williams said. "You have to realize that when you come to college and you're a freshman, you have to work to get that role again. You have to start on the scout team and work your way up."
Now a senior, Williams has grown into his role as a veteran leader who values the relationships he's built as much as the plays he's made.
"The mark I want to leave is being one of a kind," Williams said. "It doesn't even have to be on the field — when you say my name, I want people to remember my personality and how I interact with people, even if I just met you."
For Williams, that mark is less about yards and touchdowns and more about the impression he leaves as a teammate, leader and person. His story at Troy isn't just about football — it's about resilience, mentorship and the relentless pursuit of growth.
Players Mentioned
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