In the NFL draft the last pick is normally called Mr. Irrelevant being that he is a long shot at making the team and making an impact. Well in this past NLL draft the Rochester Knighthawks used the last pick of the draft on a player who is far from Irrelevant.
Some people may know Zach Williams and most know his little brother, Zed Williams, a current sophomore on Virginia University lacrosse team. Zed broke many records both in state and out in both points and goals. One of his point records was once held by one of the best players ever in Casey Powell, but he did it with the help of his older brother Zach.
Both attended Silver Creek high school which is a small school in Western New York. The Williams brothers helped gain the school much positive press while helping the team in their quest for a state title. Even though Silver Creek went deep into the playoffs they never won state. Zach graduated Silver Creek in 2011 but did not make the jump to college lacrosse even though he had many Division One offers from schools such as Ohio State. Last year there was a rumor he was going to suit up for a powerhouse program in Onondaga Community College but that did not happen.
In the last three years though Zach teamed up with his little brother Zed and played for the Six Nation Rebels. Both are from the Seneca tribe and grew up on the Cattaraugus Reservation and would travel up to Six Nations to play Junior B lacrosse.
Playing transition and taking faceoffs, Zach scored 158 points without including this year’s Founder’s Cup. Zach sits 33rd all-time in points for the Rebels franchise. This past summer the Six Nation Riverman also had Zach suit up to see some action in three playoff games in the Senior B circuit. In those games Zach posted six points scoring four goals while dishing out two assists. He helped to push the Riverman to the Ontario finals but did not play because of the conflict with Rebels games.
Zach stands about 5’11” and at around 200 pounds he is strong—a tough player with or without the ball. He has a great set of hands and a fast but accurate shot. While taking faceoffs Zach uses his big frame and strong hands to win the draw for his team. The Knighthawks have a talented roster but could use some youth. Also having first round pick Jeremy Noble not playing helps open a spot up. Zach making this jump from Junior B to the pros is a big step. He will be young but knows the game and what it takes to get to the next level.
