Saw action at LT in a limited role and appeared on special teams and in short-yardage situations as a rookie... Appeared in 9 games after sitting out the first 7 games with a back injury.

2008 SEASON: Played in 9 games, seeing action at LT, on special teams and in short-yardage situations... Missed the first 7 games due to a back injury. GAMES PLAYED-STARTED: 9-0

Four-year letterwinner at Vanderbilt (2004-2007) appeared in 36 games at left tackle and left guard, finishing his college career with 33 consecutive starts… Started all 24 contests over his junior and senior season at left tackle… Received first-team all-SEC honors as a senior and second-team all-SEC accolades as a junior… Two-time recipient of Vanderbilt’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award… Surrendered just two sacks over his final two seasons (24 games) as a Commodore... Selected to first-team all-SEC as a senior, becoming the first Vanderbilt player to receive such accolades in 23 years after allowing just 1 sack all season… Earned “winning” blocking grade in every game as a senior en route to being named the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman… Honored as SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after win on 9/15 over Ole Miss... As a junior, all-SEC second-team selection as he started all 12 games at left tackle, surrendering just 1 sack all season… Honored as the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman by the coaches... Played all 12 games in his first season of action as a sophomore, starting the final 9 contests at left guard… Also saw significant time at left tackle… Vanderbilt led the SEC in passing yards per game (280.5), passing yards (3,086) and completions (274) and ranked second in the conference in total offense (395.6 yard per game)… Selected as Offensive Player of the Week in his first collegiate start… QB Jay Cutler led the SEC in passing yards (3,073), passing yards per game (279.4) and completions (273)... Did not play in any games as a redshirt freshman.

Attended Catholic H.S. in Louisiana, earning all-region and all-conference recognition as a senior on a team that went 10-2 and won a district title… Did not start until his senior season… Named to 5A all-state Academic Team and was vice president of National Honor Society… Son of Joseph and Sandres Williams… Married to Marissa (Love) on April 5, 2008… Named Strength and Conditioning All-American following 2007 season by National Strength and Conditioning Association… Majored in Human and Organizational Development.

Entered NFL as a first-round pick (14th overall) by Chicago in the 2008 NFL Draft... Signed 5-year contract with the Bears (7/23/08). SIGNED through 2012.