The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon recognize the football career of former Missouri Tigers standout Lorenzo Williams, who previously starred at Midwest City (Okla.) High School. He is currently the football coach of Springfield’s Central High School.
Williams is among the Elite 11, a group of former high school and college standouts who will be recognized during the NFL Kickoff Sports Enthusiasts Luncheon presented by Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The 11 a.m. ceremony is at Springfield’s University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, where the Hall will induct former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Eddie Kennison; former Missouri State football All-American tackle and coach Rich Johanningmeier; and former Carrollton High School coach Stan Kee.
Williams was a standout for coach Gary Pinkel’s Mizzou teams from 2004 to 2007 as the Tigers reached a No. 1 national ranking and played for the Big 12 Conference championship. A stalwart defensive lineman, Williams was voted team captain in 2007 and was a 2007 first team All-Big 12 selection after earning 2006 honorable mention All-Big 12. Williams’ 19 career sacks are tied with Shane Ray for fifth-most in Mizzou history. Williams finished with 142 total tackles and went on to play on practice squads of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers as well as the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.
The Elite 11 features: defensive lineman Brett Potts (Bolivar, Pittsburg State); quarterback Eric Czerniewski (Montgomery County, Central Missouri); lineman Rusty Shadel (Lebanon, Missouri State); running back Rex Sawyer (Ava, Missouri Valley College); linebacker Steve Forbis (Republic, Missouri Southern); defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams (Mizzou); punter/quarterback Chuck Blair (Camdenton, Central Missouri); kicker Jeremy Flores (Willard, Colorado); defensive back T.J. Onstott (Lamar, Missouri Southern); split end Steve Newbold (Aurora, Missouri State); and running back Justin Gerald (Hillcrest, Central Methodist).
An individual ticket is $40. Tables of eight are $400 and includes associate sponsorship recognition in the printed program. Head table tickets are $100. For tickets, call the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 417-889-3100.