Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis Sign Syracuse University Quarterback
06/27/2001 | 12:00:00 | Football
June 26, 2001
Carbondale, IL. - Southern Illinois University's first-year head football coach Jerry Kill is flashing a broader smile today (Monday, May 21) after Madei (pronounced Ma-dee) Williams, a transfer from Syracuse University, signed to play with the Salukis in 2001, his final season of eligibility.
"We're excited about having Madei join our program," Kill said. "Obviously his presence alone won't guarantee us of any wins, but he will provide us with a proven quarterback and that's important. We'll have a better chance of competing now with him and Kevin Kobe, who saw some action last season, available."
Following his high school career at Woodland Hills in Pittsburgh, Pa., Williams received Prep Star Magazine All-American honors. As a senior, he had completed 73 of 158 passes for 2,730 yards and 15 touchdowns while leading his team to an 11-4 record and into the state championship game.
At Syracuse, Williams was redshirted in 1997 and saw limited action the following season before having a breakout year in 1999 when he started six games for the Orangemen. Williams completed 55 of 110 passes for 742 yards and two touchdowns during the season.
Williams, who completed touchdown passes against Michigan both in 1998 and 1999, has his best career games at Syracuse against the Wolverines when he completed 7-of-12 passes for 128 yards and 9-of15 for 168 yards against Tulane.
A hand injury cost him playing time last season when he played in just three games and led to his decision to transfer in search of more action in his final year of eligibility.
Having already earned his undergraduate degree at Syracuse this spring, Williams has been accepted into a master's program at SIU.
Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni said, "We are sorry to see Madei leave our program. He has been an important member of our squad. Madei provided a great deal of leadership and displayed an outstanding work ethic. We're proud that he has obtained his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University. I'm sure I speak for the entire program when I say we wish Madei the best of luck."
