Defensive back Joseph McWilliams was fourth in the nation last year in blocked kicks. GSU Sports Information/Courtesy photo
Boxtorow All-American Joseph McWilliams is an exceptional defensive back for the Grambling State University football team.
The redshirt senior garnered several awards in the 2018 season despite not playing the entirety of the 2017 season.
Last year McWilliams snagged four interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, and was ranked fourth in the nation for blocked kicks with three.
In addition, McWilliams notched 32 tackles (27 unassisted).
While McWilliams turned in a masterful individual performance in 2018, he is looking for the team to step up as a while this year.
“Hopefully we will be more focused going into this season and have better execution,” McWilliams said.
McWilliams is hoping that the team is injury free throughout the season and in tip top condition for this upcoming fall season.
“We are set to face ULM and Tech, our first two games and we have to show them what we are capable of,” McWilliams said. “People need to see and show them that HBCUs have a lot of talent.”
McWilliams’ participation in football goes back over a decade. He started playing football at the age of nine as a quarterback and continued to play the position through his high school career. McWilliams ended up being a multi-position player throughout his high school journey.
However, after injuring his shoulder injury McWilliams couldn’t throw like he used to.
McWilliams attended Capital High School but ended up transferring his senior year to Southern Lab where he stood out at cornerback and was named All State honorable mention.
These accomplishments led to McWilliams receiving a full athletic scholarship offer from GSU.
While attending Grambling, McWilliams has faced adversity with the loss of his brother in an 18-wheeler accident on the way to Bayou Classic. He also lost his mother in 2014 after her birthday.
McWilliams’ inspiration for playing football is his brother.
“Every time I strap on my cleats and hit that field it’s for my brother,” McWilliams said. “You have a reason to do it and know that he is always watching from the heavens.”