HAMPTON, Va. (Hampton University Relations) – Hampton University alumnus Jaylian “JJ” Williamson has been hired by the Los Angeles Rams as the Player Engagement Fellow. He just served as a Compliance and Championships Intern with the conference office.
“Congratulations to Mr. Jaylian Williamson on his new career opportunity that recognizes his hard work and determination. JJ is the type of student-athlete that we strive to produce here Hampton University. Our student athletes first excel in the classroom, then they excel in their respective sports and are ultimately successful post graduation. At Hampton University, we truly develop leaders and champions,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
Williamson began his Hampton career in 2012 as a sports management major. He was a three-year starter as quarterback and then during his senior year, an injury to his hip caused him to miss the season. He returned to finish his career and earned ALL-MEAC honors to cap a career that included records for most passing yards in a game (407) and completions (32). Williamson graduated and went on to receive his master’s degree in sports management at Hampton University.
In his new role as Player Engagement Fellow for the Los Angeles Rams, Williamson will be “helping develop players, rookies, and transitioning them from draft to NFL lifestyle, adjusting to NFL in general and for their families too. I’ll be helping implement programs, finances, and just transition in general,” Williamson said. “I’m really looking forward to this position. It’s been tough transitioning with COVID-19, but I’m just trying to make the best of it.”
Williamson just finished interning in the MEAC office in the department of compliance and championships. “We are excited for Jaylian,” MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas said. “One of the goals of our internship program is to provide the interns real-work experience and improve their skillset so they will be more attractive to the workforce. Jaylian continues a long line of interns who have moved on to gain meaningful employment. We wish him well.”
Hampton really helped prepare Williamson for his life and career. “At Hampton, I lived through a lot of different scenarios and situations that helped prepare me to adapt and adjust, and continue to push forward no matter what. I had injuries that sidelined me, coaching changes and still had to deal with being a student. I learned to put my best foot forward. I have the mentality in the real world of what I learned on the football field. I have the mentality of an athlete and I put that towards my life every day. Work hard and you will succeed,” Williamson said.
Williamson is looking forward to this new career opportunity and has a lot of people at Hampton to thank for all his success thus far. “I want to thank Coach Donovan Rose. He brought me to Hampton, recruited me, and gave me the opportunity to go to college. That was a huge blessing. Thanks to Coach Maynor who helped me get out there to play and compete. Thank you,” Williamson said. “I’m looking forward to this opportunity and helping in any way I can and also to help Hampton along the way.”
Jaylian Williamson: Career Statistics (2012-16)
Shares school record for single game passes completed – 32 (done twice)
4th in career passing yards – 4,245
School record 407 yards passing against Old Dominion in 2014
4th in single season passing yards – 2,290 in 2016
3rd in career pass completions – 392
3rd in single season pass completions – 193 (2016)
3rd team All-MEAC in 2016
