Week 4's Overnight Sensation: Scooby Williams, Linebacker
Each Monday during the 2024 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance over the weekend and earned the distinction of being the week’s “Overnight Sensation.”
#0 made a big impact.
On Saturday, Florida transfer and first-year Aggie Scooby Williams led Texas A&M in tackles with seven — including four solo takedowns — in a 26-20 victory over Bowling Green.
It was a choppy night offensively for A&M, but the defense's performance allowed the Aggies to walk out of Kyle Field with a win.
With 12:56 remaining, Bowling Green was one score away from taking the lead. The Aggie defense forced the Falcons' first three-and-out of the night when they needed it most.
Despite the lackluster win, there were some positives.
Williams helped hold Bowling Green to just 84 yards on the ground, 40 of which came with a pitch to Rahkeem Smith. With opponents averaging just 70.5 rushing yards in the last two games compared to the average of 189 in the first two, the Aggie run defense has improved.
Additionally, Williams showed his ability to defend in coverage. On second-and-9 with 3:27 left in the first, Williams locked up star tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to stop any more movement down field and record his first pass breakup in Aggieland.
The Birmingham, Ala., native's season-high seven takedowns prevented any play larger than nine yards. Perhaps his only arguable lapse was a 65-yard touchdown to the aforementioned Fannin Jr., where Will Lee III and Williams stumbled upon each other and watched the tight end slip through.
Prevent the busted coverage on one play, and seven points aren't on the board.
The Aggies learned there is still much to improve as they return to conference play, but it is nothing Williams hasn't seen before. The junior played three seasons in Gainesville and knows what to expect as Texas A&M gears up for Arkansas on Saturday.
Even Williams, alongside his fellow defensive starters, must show growth in order to prove something in the SEC this year.
And as a veteran in this league, it starts with guys like Williams making plays.
Williams’ stats vs. Bowling Green
Tackles: 7
Solo Tackles: 4
Pass Breakups: 1
Sacks: 0
TFLs: 0
Williams' 2024 stats
Tackles: 14
Solo Tackles: 7
Pass Breakups: 1
Sacks: 0
TFLs: 1.5
