Michael Williams (strong safety)

Michael "Cookie" Williams is an American football strong safety for the Miami Dolphins. He played college football at Tennessee. The Dolphins selected him with the 38th overall pick in the 2020 NFLHC Draft.
==Early Life==
Williams was born in Pearcy, Arkansas. In high school, Williams started at the receiver position at Lake Hamilton High School, but was moved to defense after it was evident how hard he could hit. He would go on to be a highly regarded recruit. 
===Recruiting===
Williams joined the very early in the recruiting process. He was instrumental in convincing other players to join as well, leading to Tennessee's 5th ranked class in 2014.
==College Career==
Williams attends Tennessee. He is currently working on a degree in Sociology.
===2015 Season===
Williams was redshirted in 2015. It was during this time that his nickname of "Cookie" sprung into existence. When asked about why he's nicknamed Cookie, Williams's close friend and roommate Aaron Stiles responded "because he's one tough Cookie."
===2016 Season===
In his redshirt freshman year, Williams became the starting strong safety for the Tennessee Volunteers. In week 4 against West Virginia, Williams recovered field goal blocked by Reggie Hedberg and took it back for his first career touchdown. In week 5 against Washington State, Williams picked off Raoul Gomez for his first career interception. Late in the season, Williams had his first pick-6 against South Carolina. To wrap up his first season starting, Williams was selected to the All-SEC first team at the Strong Safety position.
===2017 Season===
Once again in the starting role, Williams was considered the most versatile player on this Tennessee defense. Often time coming down in a blitzing role or as a cover linebacker, Williams was a match up nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators to match up against. In week 4, Williams got a fumble recovery after Nathaniel Jeffries knocked the ball out of Army's Keyshawn Polsfoot. In week 8 against in Tennessee's huge upset over Missouri, William's interception of Aaron Shea in the third quarter was a critical momentum shifting point in the game. For his effort there, Williams would win his first SEC Defensive Player of the Week award.
===2018 Season===
Williams was had yet another very strong season at strong safety for the Tennessee Volunteers. Against Kentucky, Williams had a critical pick-6 leading to the Vols's first victory against the Wildcats. In Week 12 against Missouri, Williams had another pick in a 26-23 victory.
===College Statistics===
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Season 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	Defense 	 	 	 	
Season 	GP 	GS 	Tackles 	Sacks 	FF 	FR 	Int 	TD 	Safety 	 	 	 	
2016 	12 	12 	9 	0 	0 	1 	3 	2 	0 	 	 	 	
2017 	12 	12 	15 	0 	0 	1 	2 	0 	0 	 	 	 	
2018 	12 	12 	13 	0 	0 	0 	2 	0 	0 	 	 	 	
2019 	12 	12 	23 	0 	0 	0 	2 	1 	0 	 	 	 	
NCAA Career Totals 	48 	48 	60 	0 	0 	2 	9 	3 	0 	 	 	 	
==Professional Career==
===Pre-draft===
Williams was one of the top strong safeties in the 2020 NFLHC Draft. He was projected as a first round or second round talent. 
====Measurables====
===Draft===
Williams was selected with the 38th pick of the 2020 NFLHC Draft by the Miami Dolphins. 
===2020 Season===
 
====Professional Statistics====
:
Year 	Team 	Games	Starts	Defensive	Defensive	Defensive	Defensive	Defensive	Defensive	Defensive	Rating
Year 	Team 	Games	Starts	Tackles 	Sacks 	FF 	FR 	INT 	TD 	Safeties 	Rating
2020 	MIA 	4 	4 	4 	0.0 	0 	1 	0 	0 	0 	81
Career	Career	4 	4 	4 	0 	0 	1 	0 	0 	0 	
 
Category:Tennessee Volunteers Players
Category:Strong Safeties