Sunday, May 11, 2014

WAGNER COLLEGE RUNNING BACK DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS
AGREES TO SIGN WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS
by JIM WAGGONER

Minnesota Vikings running back coach Kirby Wilson called Wagner College star Dominique Williams during the sixth round of Saturday’s NFL Draft.

His message: We want you.

So the 5-foot-9, 205-pound Williams, who rushed for 4,435 yards during his Northeast Conference career, gave it some thought as the three-day extravaganza came to a close at the end of the seventh round.

His conclusion: The Vikings are for me.

“He (Wilson) said he believed in me ... that meant a lot,” said the undrafted free agent Williams from his Bridgeton, N.J. home. “Speaking to him, he sold me. I’m ready to prove him right and also prove myself.”

The Vikings’ sales pitch was so solid, Williams stopped answering his telephone. He planned on celebrating with his mother, grandmother and aunts.

“The women in my life have been incredible,” he said. “I want to spend this time with them and thank them and wish them all a Happy Mother’s Day.”

Minnesota, Denver and San Diego had shown the most interest in Williams, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in three consecutive Wagner seasons.

“I kind of had a feeling it was going to be the Vikings,” he said.

When the news started leaking on Twitter, Williams said “I was getting 1,000 messages at once.”

He said that he expected to hear more about the specifics of his new job when the Vikings called back Saturday night.

Whatever the details, Williams said he will be ready.

FOR MORE about Dominique Williams' signing with the Vikings, visit the Wagner Athletics website.