Bio

Allen Williams

Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College (1983-1985) / Football, Track
Vancleave, Mississippi

When Williams came to Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College in the fall of 1983, few knew that in only two seasons he would be named an All-American running back and part of a national-champion football team.

Williams came to Perkinston from the Vancleave community in Jackson County. It didn’t take long for him to become part of Coach George Sekul’s offense. By mid-season, he was being identified in local papers as the “strong freshman back” after scoring big touchdowns against Hinds, Northwest and Jones.

The 1983 team was on the verge of playing for a national championship but needed a victory over Jones in the state championship game. The Bulldogs’ offense was stopped by the clock in the final moments of a dramatic comeback and controversial official’s call. The loss proved to be the motivation Williams and his freshman class needed to go all the way the following season.

Beginning with the opening kickoff in the 1964 season against Mississippi Delta, Williams was a force on the gridiron, pounding in two touchdowns. For the season, he ran for 1,044 yards and 13 touchdowns and averaged more than five yards a carry, But Williams was more than just stats — he scored when it mattered most. He capped four game-winning drives in the fourth quarter against Pearl River, Jones, Itawamba and Co-Lin to maintain the perfect season and kept the Bulldogs advancing in the national polls.

Williams' presence in the national championship game changed the Harford Owls' defensive approach. He racked up almost 100 yards rushing, but more importantly, forced Harford’s defense to protect against the run and opened up the Gulf Coast passing game. Gulf Coast won its second National Junior College Athletic Association title (and third overall) with a 21-7 victory.

By the end of the perfect 1984 season, Williams was named All-Star, All-State, All-Region and second-team All-American. He also received recognition off the football field. He was named to the National Junior College Who’s Who list and National Dean’s list during his sophomore year. He was the first Gulf Coast football player to sign with a Big Ten university (Northwestern).