The hardship, grief and heartache in Preston Williams’ life is considerable, but the running back never runs from it.
“What else am I supposed to do? Roll in the dirt?” the sophomore at Class 3A Mitchell in Colorado Springs wondered.
No, he chooses to meet it head-on.
“If anybody knows how tough life can be at (17), he does,” Marauders coach Archie Malloy said.
The latest Brian Dawkins Award winner has distinguished himself as an interesting student-athlete and vows to make something of himself. It hasn’t been easy.
Williams was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
Previously residing in Texas, Williams’ mother died and he rarely has contact with his father. He lives with a sister in Colorado Springs.
He has a speech impediment that he constantly battles and is sheepish about, which had led him to get in a series of fights with those who made fun of him.
And he hasn’t played for Mitchell since Week 6, when he suffered a foot injury. He’ll find out more about it this week — surgery or rehabilitation. Presently, he wears a protective boot.
“He’s begging to come back,” Malloy said.
In fact, Williams, who carries a B average, hasn’t missed a practice and dressed for each game; and he slipped in for a few plays recently when the thin Marauders needed him to spell an already-taxed roster.
“I’m just trying to stay positive every step of the way,” said Williams, who has rushed for 479 yards and five touchdowns, and played linebacker. “Just trying to stay happy . . . life goes on. I just can’t get mad about it.”
Williams, who will be at Sports Authority Field at Mile High today when the Broncos host the Detroit Lions, said he’s eager to meet Dawkins, adding, “I think it’s great what he’s doing.”
Before each game, Dawkins, a Broncos safety, will choose a deserving prep player who demonstrates strong commitment to and accomplishment in the sport and in the classroom, character off the field and has overcome adversity.
The winner will receive two tickets to a Broncos home game and pregame sideline passes courtesy of Dawkins, and must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone. Dawkins will meet with the player after the game.
Nominees must be submitted to The Denver Post at ndevlin@denverpost.com. The final selection is made by Dawkins.
