Former Etowah High star joins Auburn University coaching staff

Auburn, AL – Former Etowah High School and Auburn standout Carnell “Cadillac” Williams will be the next Auburn University running backs coach, according to multiple reports.

Williams will take over the assistant coaching post from Tim Horton who was reassigned to an off-field role on Gus Malzahn’s staff earlier this month.

“I’m ecstatic, super excited and humbled to have the opportunity to return home to Auburn and coach at the place that helped me become the man I am today”. Williams said in a release.

Williams returns to his alma mater after being named the running backs coach with the Birmingham Iron in December. Before joining the AAF, he spent two seasons as an assistant at Florida’s IMG Academy. The former NFL first round draft pick also spent time as an assistant at Henderson State and West Georgia after retiring from the St. Louis Rams in 2011.

The Gadsden native was selected fifth overall in the 2005 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After receiving Rookie of the Year honors in 2005, he went on to rack-up 25 total touchdowns on 4,038 yards rushing yards, and 1,002 receiving over his seven year NFL career.

During his four years on The Plains, Williams ran for 3,381 yards and scored 45 touchdowns in route to becoming the Tigers all-time leader in touchdowns scored. He was named All-American in 2004, helping lead Auburn to an undefeated season and No. 2 national ranking as a senior.

During his time at Etowah, Williams was named Alabama’s Mr. Football in 2000 and received his nickname, “Cadillac” from former Birmingham sportscaster Mike Raita. During his junior season he helped lead Etowah to a 14-0 state championship season while racking up 2,620 yards rushing and 38 touchdowns. He became the second player in school history to have his jersey retired by the Blue Devils in 2007.