Defensive back Rayshad Williams, Texas Tech (texastech.com)
On Friday, January 3, 2025, the Houston Roughnecks reported they had signed defensive back Rayshad Williams.
Williams attended Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was considered one of the top high school prospects. He played a significant role in leading his team to a 15-0 record and the Class 6A state title in 2016. His senior year stats included 64 tackles, four for loss, and six interceptions, earning him a three-star prospect rating from Rivals, ESPN, and 247Sports.
Between 2018 and 2020, Williams opted to join UCLA, where he played six games in the secondary and on special teams, accumulating two tackles. He later transferred to Texas Tech, where he continued his college football journey. His time at Texas Tech saw him emerge as one of the team’s most reliable defensive backs. He distinguished himself at Texas Tech by producing 26 pass breakups and an interception in over 40 games.
NFL scouts profiled Williams as a cornerback prospect before the 2023 NFL Draft, noting his physical attributes and performance in college games. NFL scouts described him as having good movement skills for his size (6’3″, 215 lbs), with a 40-yard dash time in the low 4.5 second range.
He was later signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) but was later released prior to playing a regular season game.
Rayshad Williams is awaiting an opportunity to prove himself at the professional level. Perhaps the UFL will offer him that opportunity.
