Raequan Williams: Making The Windy City Proud

In his fifth season wearing the Spartan uniform, it is safe to say that defensive tackle Raequan Williams has made the most of his time at Michigan State, both on and off the field.

The opportunity given to him by head coach Mark Dantonio to play football at the college level has created chances for him to graduate from an elite university and potentially advance his football career.

"It means everything," Williams said. "It gave me a way to get an education and meet some of my best friends in my life. It's definitely a great position to be in."

Being a student-athlete has not only personally helped Williams, but his family as well. Playing for and studying at Michigan State on scholarship relieves a huge burden on a family, and Williams' is no exception.

"I don't think I would be in college if I didn't earn an scholarship. I'm not from a background where I'm fortunate enough to pay, so having this opportunity to play football and be at this university is a true blessing for me and my family," Williams explained.

Even with all the positives that have come out of his decision to be in East Lansing, the Chicago native has had to face living far from home and has learned to cherish the moments he gets to spend with his family.

"It's not that bad, it's only three and a half hours," Williams said. "Whenever I feel too much like I miss my family or anybody, I can drive back which means a lot."

Everything that Williams has earned did not come without tremendous amounts of hard work on his part.

Early-morning lifts and late-night study sessions are just a few of the responsibilities that have helped him become the successful player and person he is today.

"I've never really thought about it, but I've come a long way, and I've got a lot longer way to still go," Williams said.

The commitment Williams has shown to the Spartan program over the years has not been overlooked by his coaches, but rather rewarded as Williams was named one of four captains this season.

"It's been a blessing and an honor because you know all those guys in that room voted in you in that position, so that means they respect you and this whole football facility respects you in a way to make you captain. It's just an honor and a blessing honestly," Williams explained.

Aside from all the opportunities football has the paved way for, Williams could not be more thankful for the brothers and the family he has gained in his home away from home.

"I don't think you can put it into words. I just enjoy even seeing my teammates walking past them on campus on our way to classes," Williams explained. "I just get happy because that's the type of bond we build just being here and we all feel like were family."

Although his newly found brotherhood means the world to him, there is another relationship in his life that means just as much.

The bond and respect that had developed over the past five years between Williams and Coach Dantonio is unlike any other player-coach dynamic he has ever been a part of.

"He's my man. He's taught me so many life lessons, and I don't know if he even knows that his talks before meeting and his speeches before and after games always teach me something as a person. He's more of a father figure than he even realizes he is," Williams said.

As easy as it has been to reflect on the past, Williams continues to look forward to what the next few weeks has in store for him before graduation. There are numerous goals he has set for himself and each and every one of those has his family and his home city of Chicago's best interests at heart.

"The goal is to get drafted, so that I can take care of my family and become the greatest player I can become. That's all that's in my mindset going forward," Williams explained. "I definitely want to give back to my city and represent my city in a light because there is so much negativity, at least in the part where I come from. I just want to spread love across the city, and I think that could heal a lot of things that are going on."

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