Avery Williamson: Milan Made Part 2
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MILAN, Tenn. – Avery Williamson will never forget his first NFL start in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “There was no way I was about to score,” laughed Williamson. The rookie’s fumble recovery didn’t result in touchdown. Instead, it proved him worthy of a starting spot as middle linebacker for the next five games. “It’s a lot of responsibility controlling the defense. You have to break things down. You’re the quarterback of the defense,” explained Williamson. Before Williamson suited up in Titans blue, he started his football career proudly wearing Bulldog purple. Milan head football coach Jeff Morris says he knew Williamson was a special player after his second year. “The State Championship performance of his junior year where he set the state record of tackles against Alcoa,” said Morris. That record performance also caught the eye of an SEC school. At Kentucky, Williamson was a captain and led the team in tackles two consecutive seasons. “Kentucky wasn’t winning that many games and I didn’t know how much that would hurt him, but I knew he played hard every game,” said Henry Williamson, Avery’s dad. Williamson’s locker stands next to Titan linebacker Wesley Woodyard. The former Kentucky Wildcat says he’s taken Williamson under his wing. “That’s my guy, that’s my little brother,” said Woodyard. “I’m going to take care of him. I always keep him around, so he knows what best. i’m going to try to lead him.” Since moving into the starting lineup in Week 5, Williamson leads the Titans in tackles. “When I got my shot, I saw how I could play that. I was shocked with myself that I can actually do it,” said Williamson. Having an early impact as a rookie hasn’t hindered Williamson’s drive. “You’re always being evaluated. You should never get comfortable with just being on a 53-man because when you get comfortable that’s when you can lose you job.”
