Who owns the jersey? #99

Summer is over. It's now countdown to kickoff season. In 2012, Bull Run wanted you to "Know Your Bulls" In 2013 Bull Run took you on the "Road to Columbus" This year Bull Run asks "Who Owns the Jersey?" We will countdown from jersey number 99 to jersey number 1 both previewing the current owner of the jersey and the FBS-era all-time owner of the jersey.

Who is wearing #99 in 2015?:

No one

Who Owns #99?

Duane Williams 2000-2001

As UB transitioned to D-1A, Williams encapsulated the spirit of the lower divisions by playing both football and basketball for the Bulls. As a senior out of Edwin Denby High School in Detroit Williams played against the likes of Antonio Gates. Unlike Gates who starred as a basketball player in the MAC, Williams found his success on the gridiron.

Williams played 12 games over two seasons scoring 21 points, before deciding his future was in football. The decision was eased by his play in 2000, where #99 had a Khalil Mack-like season at linebacker (Mack was 9 when Williams had that season, just to make everyone feel old).

99 for 99: #99 - 1st MAC Win

Duane Williams Sacks BGSU, UB gets 1st MAC Win

Williams started his season by recording four sacks against Bowling Green, setting a UB record that still stands today, to help the Bulls break an eighteen game losing streak and notch the first MAC win in school history.

Williams added five sacks that season to lead the 2000 Bulls, the nine sack season total is the sixth best in UB history and his 15 tackles for loss stand tied for 10th best in single-season UB history. Williams also had three interceptions, tied with Mark Graham for the 2000 lead, and Williams led the Bulls 9 passes defended. Despite being 2nd in the MAC in sacks, and 24th in the nation, Williams was only an All-MAC honorable mention (because MAC postseason awards are and always have been the absolute worst).

Perhaps the first victim of Jim Hofher's poor talent usage, Williams was moved from outside linebacker to defensive end for the 2001 season. In his new position, Williams only managed a half sack, 9 tackles for a loss and 3 passes defended.

Career stats:

Games Played: 22

Solo Tackles: 78

Total Tackles: 117

Sacks: 9.5

TFLs: 24

INTs: 3

Passes defended: 9

FF: 2

FR: 1

Honors:

All-MAC Honorable Mention: 2000