PEMBROKE — While the library is usually a place reserved for peace and quiet, the Purnell Swett High School library was far from that for a few moments on Wednesday morning.
Purnell Swett senior offensive lineman Josh Williams had just signed his national letter of intent to play football for The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and coach Jon Sherman wanted him to have one more moment with former teammates.
Williams led every breakdown of the team during his senior season in what the team calls “Ramjacks,” where he used his loud voice to break up the team’s huddles. He led one last one on National Signing Day with 40 teammates.
“I always led the Ramjacks because I had the loudest voice,” Williams said. “It symbolizes the bond we had.”
Williams became the first Purnell Swett player to sign to play football for the college right through the woods of the high school since Tyler Maynor and Chuck Oxendine in 2014. In recent years, UNCP has become a place that Williams frequents.
“I’m always on the campus anyways. Yesterday I was over there bowling, playing pool and eating,” Williams said. “I’ve been to just about every home game. The first college football game I’ve ever been to was there.”
Going to that game as a freshman started the journey that led to Wednesday’s signing.
“They made me feel like I was a part of the family,” Williams said. “I love the interaction with the coaches. …I look real good in gold and black.”
The Braves signed three offensive linemen on Monday, and welcome Williams to the young blocking corps. Williams started all but one game in three years for the Rams, and plans to bring that experience, plus his 6-foot-7, 290-pound frame, to the table during his college career.
He also mentioned how playing in the tough Sandhills Athletic Conference prepares him for his next step.
“There were tough teams so that gave me a little experience to better me,” Williams said. “I feel like I would be a good addition to this team.”
Sherman mentioned how Williams’ durability will be a major factor for the Braves.
“They are getting a hard worker as a three-year starter,” Sherman said. “He never missed a day in the weight room, and only missed one game in his career. Other than that, he didn’t miss a snap for almost 2 1/2 years. He’s a kid that’s going to work his butt off.”
Williams also sees this opportunity as one where he can show fellow teammates of the possibilities to play football past high school.
“It makes me feel good to know that I can be a mentor to help people pursue their future and give them more hope,” Williams said.
Sherman added: “It allows the kids that played on the team with him and those coming up to see a kid from his community play in college and in his hometown. It will bring more kids to look at UNCP and possibly want to be a part of that.”
