Vanguard alumni and former Florida State Seminole P.J. Williams became the first Ocala athlete since Antonio Allen to be drafted in the annual NFL Draft. Williams was selected by the New Orleans Saints with their second, third-round pick. Williams was selected No. 78 overall.
The Saints received this selection via a trade with the Miami Dolphins in which they sent receiver Kenny Stills to the Dolphins in exchange for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and the 78th overall selection in the draft.
Williams was a two-year starter at Florida State University, playing in 40 total games over his 3 seasons as a Seminole. Over those 3 season Williams recorded 123 tackles and intercepted four passes, three of which occurred during his sophomore campaign. Williams was a first-team all-ACC selection and a semi-finalist for the Thorpe Award. Williams won the BCS National Championship Defensive MVP during the 2014 National Championship game.
Williams will surely add needed depth at the cornerback position for the Saints behind Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, with a possibility to contend for the starting nickel position.
—Brandon Wilson—