Todd Williams' week to remember just gets better.

The Florida State football player, who went from being homeless to college graduate, learned he will receive the NCAA's Inspiration Award. The award honors a coach, administrator or varsity letter-winner at an NCAA school "who, when confronted with a life-altering situation, used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome the event and now serves as a role model. ..."

Former Defiance College cross country runner Maggie Maloy and California-Davis running back Sam Paneno were the first recipients a year ago. Maloy was 15 when she was shot five times and left for dead after she was abducted while training. She broke her pelvis six years later during an automobile accident but returned to compete in track and cross country. Paneno returned to football after his lower leg was amputated following a life-threatening football injury.

Williams will receive the award in Anaheim during the NCAA honors dinner Jan.12. Williams was a teenager when he was left without a family following the death of his grandmother. The offensive lineman lived on the streets of Miami before returning to Bradenton, where he supported himself while attending high school.

In addition to being presented the award before college presidents, Williams will receive another benefit.

"The school is buying me a suit," Williams said.

FSU, through the NCAA's special assistance fund, is allowed to pay for the suit he'll wear at the banquet.

The week began with Williams learning he'll finish his college career against Mark Richt and Dave Van Halanger. The two Georgia coaches were instrumental in guiding Williams during their time on the FSU staff. Williams, who started 24 games for FSU, received invitations this week to participate in the East-West and Hula bowls in January.

"I've never been to California. Nor have I ever been to Hawaii, and now I have a chance," Williams said.

He'll conclude this week in the Civic Center where he'll prove so many people wrong by accepting undergraduate degrees in Criminology and Sociology.


Congratulations Todd