While attending Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia, Williams was a standout running back in football.
At the University of Kentucky, Williams made an immediate impact, setting the freshman rushing record with 986 yards in 1993.
In 1994, despite playing for a team that finished with a 1–10 record, Williams gained 805 yards on 160 carries, starting all eleven games.
For the season Williams was honorable mention All America, a consensus All-Southeastern Conference selection and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.
On April 20, 2006, he was found guilty of disorderly conduct and was acquitted of the two other misdemeanor charges and sentenced to a $300 fine and 30 hours of community service.