By Danielle Percival 

Hard work pays off and for senior wide-receiver Chris Williams, his payout isn’t just coming in playing time.

Williams, in his third season at Troy, has worked his way up to earning a scholarship this season.

“My main reason for going to Mississippi Valley was to take the load off my parents and when I came here I knew I was putting us in a bind taking the chance to play for a better program,” Williams said. “We talked about it but I mean I just felt like everything was coming together and it was God’s will.”

Williams is in his final year of eligibility but seems to just be hitting his prime in the Trojan offense.

This season he has already accounted for 15 receptions for 255 yards including an impressive performance against Georgia State.

On Saturday against the Panthers, Williams surpassed his total receiving yards from last season on four receptions, ending the game with 152 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

Last season was Williams’ first as a Trojan after sitting out in 2011 following his transfer, and he accounted for 8 receptions and 127 yards.

Williams is one of several talented wide-outs the Trojan offense showcases but according to his teammate Eric Thomas, there isn’t any tension among the players for playing time or receptions.

“It’s always good for guys to make plays in the offense so there’s really no spotlight,” Thomas said. “We’ve got guys on offense that can really make plays. Whenever we get the opportunity we can do it.”

Williams’ opportunity on Saturday came four times when the same play was called.

“I wish we could have called it a couple more times maybe so he would’ve caught a couple more balls,” quarterback Corey Robinson said.

“You know those plays that you have an opportunity to make a big play on and if they double Eric [Thomas] you’ve got a big opportunity to make a big play every time,” Williams said. “I was just ready to make a play and Corey [Robinson] made the right read and got it to me every time.”

For Robinson though, it’s not always easy to spot number 89 because he can only see one thing on the field.

“Just the hair when he’s running away from me,” Robinson said. “I don’t know how long that hair’s been growing.”

Turns out it’s been six and half years since Williams began growing it out and with long locks, he has been tackled by his hair before.

“Not at Troy, but at Mississippi Valley,” Williams said. “It was rough. It was like my first collegiate catch. They welcomed me to the college level real fast.”

With dreadlocks long enough to cover his numbers on the back of his jersey, who knows what kind of untapped speed potential Williams possesses.

“He’s still fast. He’s like a 4.4 [forty], so he could probably be a 4.3 without the hair,” Thomas said.

“I don’t know, he’s a pretty quick guy anyway,” Robinson said.

Williams said that would remain a mystery because the dreadlocks won’t be cut before his career is over.

“When I have to go into the corporate world and get a job I’ll be willing then, but right now I’m just living,” Williams said.

Troy has an off week, before facing Western Kentucky Oct. 26 in Bowling Green, Ky. in a key game for each team.