Austin Peay State University Athletics

Brett Williams, a former first-team All-America selection, is considered one of the best defensive linemen in APSU football history. 

But it didn’t start out that way. Williams transferred to APSU from Memphis State after his freshman year. It proved to be a perfect match. 

After starting at offensive guard much of his sophomore season, Williams was shifted to defensive end as a junior. He finished 1979 with 77 total tackles, including 58 initial hits. He also had an interception and fumble recovery. 

His senior season was even better. He dominated with 89 tackles (second on the team), including 64 initial hits, which ranked first on the team. 

He was named first-team All-OVC and later voted first-team All-America. 

The following spring he was awarded the 1981 Joy Award recipient as the athletics department’s most valuable senior athlete. He then embarked on a professional career that saw him play in both the United States and Canadian Football Leagues.