05/02/24: Signed by Seattle as a UDFA
COLLEGE: Began his UT career at defensive back before shifting to wide receiver during the 2023 season and played in 22 career games, returning 35 punts for 540 yards and two touchdowns (averaging a school-record 15.4 yards per punt return, breaking the previous mark held by Burt Rechichar (1949-51). He also averaged 21.1 yards per kickoff return (13 for 274). He was named a fourth-team All-America return specialist as selected by Phil Steele following his senior year in 2023. His 20 punt returns for 259 yards and one touchdown tied for the SEC lead, while his punt return average of 14.0 yards per return ranked sixth in the FBS and third in the SEC. Before arriving at UT via East Central Mississippi Community College, he was rated as the No. 3 cornerback and No. 8 overall junior college player by 247Sports.com. He totaled 13 picks for his career at ECCC and made 103 tackles in 23 games played in his three seasons.
PERSONAL: In high school, he was a two-way standout for Mary Persons High School his senior year and had six interceptions (four returned for touchdowns), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal on the defensive side of the ball while averaging 17.3 yards per reception as a senior. His full name is Desmond Zy'ion Williams. He has two brothers and two sisters and majored in communication studies.
