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Cadillac heading back to AU to finish his degree.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:38 am
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:38 am
:nb4ihasacrayon:
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It’s been over a decade since Carnell “Cadillac” Williams set Auburn single-season rushing records and tore through SEC defenses on a weekly basis.
With his playing career now behind him, Williams is now back on his old stomping grounds, ready to tackle some unfinished business.
“I had the thought a couple times during my playing career, but I always felt like once I was done with football, I’d come and finish my degree,” Williams said. “I only had seven hours left, so it would’ve been a shame not to finish that.”
Two classes, World Literature and Spanish II, stand between the former All-SEC running back and a sociology degree that’s thirteen years in the making.
While the reading and writing of literature have been easy, jumping back into Spanish after a decade break has been difficult for Williams.
“Spanish, I took Spanish I eleven or twelve years ago and I need Spanish II to finish so that’s more difficult,” Williams said. “Once you don’t use it, you tend to lose it.” There’s definitely a transition period in coming back.”
The compacted schedule of summer minimesters hasn’t helped Williams in his journey back to school either.
“It’s just so much information in that time and then with me being out of school for ten years, it’s been challenging,” Williams said. “I’ve been out of class for so long, so I find myself having to put in a lot of time to study and get stuff down pat.”
Williams’ return to class hasn’t gone unnoticed by classmates and those around campus.
“You’ll kind of see people look up during role call and I’ve had people ask if I was ‘’The Carnell Williams’ and things like that,” Williams said. “It’s actually been a lot of the parents who are here for Camp War Eagle that will stop me. It’s been pretty cool.”
Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said it speaks to Williams’ character and the University as a whole that the former athlete decided to return to school.
“We've had a number of our former student-athletes return to complete their degrees, and I think it's a trend that will continue,” Jacobs said. “They know from being here that Auburn is a special place and that completing a college degree opens doors for the rest of your life.”
Williams’ on-the-field exploits made him the No. 5 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former All-American accumulated 4,038 rushing yards in his six-year NFL career, which ended 2011.
His playing days may be behind him, but that doesn’t mean Williams is ready to step away from the game.
“I’m torn between getting back into coaching,” Williams said. “I definitely want to stay connected with the game of football because that’s what I’m passionate about. It’s what I love to do and I feel like I could help younger people, whether it’s high school or people in college trying to get to their destination.”
In the meantime, ‘Cadillac’ is just happy to be back in a place where he can achieve his goals and set an example for his five-month old son, Cole.
“It’s almost like I never left because of the family atmosphere around here,” Williams said. “They’ve continued to accept me in and it’s just a blessing.”
“I’m looking forward to playing the ‘Daddy’ role since it’s my first time. I may push him in the direction of football, but he can make that decision. He’s got my genes though, so he’s going to play ball.”
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:41 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
I'm just kidding, good for Cadillac. He always seemed like a good guy, and he is doing the right thing.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:42 am to DaleDenton
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It’s been over a decade since Carnell “Cadillac” Williams set Auburn single-season rushing records and tore through SEC defenses on a weekly basis.
Frick, I'm old.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:43 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
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sociology degree
Shocker....
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:45 am to ArabianKnight
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Shocker....
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Alabama Fan
Shocker...
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:46 am to parkjas2001
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Shocker....
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Alabama Fan
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Shocker...
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parkjas2001
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Shocker...
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:48 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
Cool. I am guessing he managed his money well, which is a lot better than most.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:49 am to Gnar Cat21
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Shockers all around
The Shocker is good fun
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:50 am to Gnar Cat21
Caddy must be about his business. A first round NFL draft pick, a college star, going back to finish his degree, and only has ONE child! That's exceptional. He probably held onto his money too.
This post was edited on 7/10/14 at 10:51 am
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:52 am to Shaft Williams
Pretty rare for a 32 year old Alabama black male to be having his first kid. Smart guy.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:53 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
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sociology degree
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:54 am to 14&Counting
He can major in whatever the frick he wants to. He had a signing bonus of 13 million dollars.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:54 am to 14&Counting
A college degree is more than what most Bama fans have.
Posted on 7/10/14 at 10:58 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
Getting his doctorate in Seuss I guess....good for him. #greeneggsandham
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