FSU's Angelo Williams Signs With NFL's Vikings

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University cornerback Angelo Williams (Jackson), who wrapped up his four-year Bulldog career last fall, has agreed to terms on a free agent contract with the National Football League's (NFL) Minnesota Vikings, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Williams, who went undrafted in this past weekend's NFL Draft, was one of 10 players to join the Vikings following the draft on Saturday evening.  He is expected to attend the Vikings' three-day rookie minicamp this weekend in Winter Park, Minn.

The Vikings drafted eight players overall this past weekend with six coming in Saturday's third and final day of the draft.  The franchise used their top pick on cornerback Chris Cook of Virginia in the second round, but he was the only defensive back drafted by the Vikings.  The team has also added at least one other undrafted free agent in the secondary with the addition of Maryland strong safety Terrell Skinner in addition to Williams.

Williams had been listed as the 100th-best DB on the Pro Football Weekly draft board.

Williams will unofficially represent at least the ninth former Ferris State player to ever sign a NFL contract. The select group consists of running back Dave Gagnon (1974-Chicago Bears), outside linebacker Monty Brown (1997-New York Jets), defensive tackle Ed Philion (1994-Buffalo Bills), defensive end Dave Zuiderveen (2001-Atlanta Falcons), flanker Clarence Coleman (2002-Buffalo Bills), tackle Matt McCoy (2004-Detroit Lions), wide receiver Carlton Brewster (2006-Cleveland Browns) and defensive tackle Jake Visser (2009-Houston Texans).

Two other former Ferris State players, offensive guard Bill Bourdlais and safety Patrick Wells, received tryout invitations from the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and participated in the team's rookie minicamp, but did not ink a deal. Several others have had NFL tryouts including wide receiver Andre Johnson (1989), quarterback Dave DenBraber (1987) and receiver/returner Fred Kirkland (1981).

The 5-11 Williams, who attained All-GLIAC Honorable Mention accolades for the 2009 season, was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and compiled 113 total tackles along with 23 pass breakups in 38 career contests.  One of the team's fastest players and among the league's top cover guys, Williams helped the Bulldogs rank 12th nationally this past season in pass defense, giving up only 148.91 passing yards per contest, which was also second overall in the GLIAC.

The former Jackson High School All-State selection attained FSU team Most Improved Player Award accolades for the 2008 spring season and was tabbed as the squad's Most Valuable Defensive Skill Player this past fall. He ranked eighth among Ferris' tackles leaders in 2009 with 39 total stops and led the squad with six pass breakups. Twenty-six of his 39 tackles were solo hits. Williams ranked tied for 16th among the GLIAC leaders in passed defended (0.60 pg.).

In January, Williams started at one of the East Team's corner positions and made one solo tackle during the 2010 Valero Cactus Bowl, which was played at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville, Texas.  He was the 17th Bulldog football player ever invited to compete in the all-star contest for NCAA Division II's top performers.

Prior to the 2009 season, Williams was among 13 GLIAC players listed as "Others To Watch" in the inaugural D2 Football Preview Magazine published by d2football.com.