Jaden Williams (91). (UK Athletics Photo)
Transfer Jaden Williams might be stepping up in competition playing for Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference but the chance to prove himself is still not the biggest motivation the Wyoming transfer has.
The Inglewood, Calif., native spent the three previous seasons at Wyoming where he played in 20 games and had 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks.
He picked Kentucky because he liked the “family environment” on his visit and he also said he could feel the “love from the fan base” and how fans cared about the Kentucky football program.
Williams didn’t have any scholarship offers going into his high school senior season when he told his mother he had to get a scholarship so he could attend college.
“She told me I could do it, I could get that scholarship but right before my senior season started she passed away,” the defensive lineman said. “That was my main motivation going into that year, trying to help my family. God put me in that position to be able to get a scholarship to go play football somewhere. I tried to use that opportunity the best I could.”
Unfortunately, his 48-year-old mother suffered a fatal brain aneurysm and passed away. He was 16 and let his mom’s passing provide the inspiration to make 30 tackles in the season’s first five games and earn a scholarship offer from Wyoming.
“You have to trust the process and God’s timing. There are going to be some days where you are stressed and wondering about playing time and stuff. But you have to stay focused on the main goal and just go one day at a time.”
