Dan River’s Jeffery Williams commits to Virginia State

RINGGOLD — After posting a career-high 124 tackles in his senior season, Dan River defensive tackle Jeffery Williams has signed a partial scholarship to continue his football career at Division II Virginia State University.

“It’s a great feeling,” Williams said. “It means that I have to step up my game a little bit in the offseason and get ready to show people that I can play in a bigger division.”

Williams, who stands at 6-foot and 275 pounds, was part of a resurgent defense at Dan River that finished with its most wins since 2002 and allowed less than 260 points for the first time since ‘01. Williams added 4.5 sacks in 2008 and was named to the All-Dogwood District second team after he finished second on the team in tackles.

In 2007, Williams recorded 59 tackles — seventh best on the team — and one sack.

The Virginia State Trojans finished in a tie for fourth in the five-team East Division of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The Trojans were 5-5 overall and 3-4 in conference — tied for sixth best in the 11-team CIAA.

Williams plans to major in sports management at VSU. Schools such as Glenville State, Averett and Ferrum showed interest, but only Virginia State made an offer. “It is a great feeling to finally sign,” Williams said. “I’ll be extremely happy there.”