Toros add Giovanni Williams and Durand Hill as First Linebackers in Franchise History
The San Antonio Toros signed their first 2 Linebackers in Franchise History, Giovanni Williams and Durand Hill, to the defense. Jerry Glanville is ready to build a dominating and fierce defense in 2026. These signings are the menacing players in the middle of our defense hoping to bring terror to opposing careers. Giovanni Williams and Durand Hill are both small school players that are ready to prove that they can play at a high level. Here’s everything you need to know about the first 2 linebackers in Toros History:
LB Giovanni Williams
Giovanni Williams is a linebacker from Birmingham, Alabama and younger brother of NFL players Quinnen and Quincy Williams. Giovanni would start his collegiate career at Texas A&M Kingsville in 2020. Texas A&M Kingsville cancelled the 2020 season but would be back in 2021. Williams used the cancelled season to get better, and in 2021 it showed. Only playing in 9 games for the Javelinas, Giovanni was a key playmaker in the middle piling 33 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. Williams would decide to stay with Texas A&M Kingsville for his 2022 Sophomore season. He would only play 6 games that season, ending with 36 tackles.
Looking for more playing time in 2023, Williams transferred back home to the Greater-Birmingham Area, this time playing for the Miles Golden Bears. His family was able to support him at the stadium due to the close proximity from his hometown to Miles. His 2023 was cut short due to a broken hand, forcing him to play in only 2 games. He only had 2 tackles in the injury riddled season. The 2024 Senior Season was Giovanni Williams’ last season to prove he belongs in the NFL like his older brothers. He would play in 11 games, totaling 29 tackles and a sack.
Giovanni Williams would declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping to hear his name being called on Day 3. The NFL teams never called Draft night, leaving him to become a free agent. The New York Jets would invite him to the Rookie Minicamp, potentially joining the team of his 2 brothers. The New York Jets wouldn’t sign Giovanni at the end of minicamp, ending the dream of playing on the same defense as his 2 older brothers. Giovanni Williams would remain unsigned until the San Antonio Toros came calling this February for him to be a key player on the inaugural Toros defense.
LB Durand Hill
Durand Hill is a linebacker from Buda, Texas that is hoping to be a star pro football player back in The Great State of Texas. Hill originally committed to Mary Hardin-Baylor University after high school; and would stay there until he declared for the NFL Draft. His decorated career at Mary Hardin Baylor started in 2021 when he was instantly a playmaker, playing in 10 games having 17 tackles, a sack, a single fumble recovery, and being named Academic All-ASC selection. After impressing during his freshman year, The Mary Hardin Baylor coaching staff started Hill. Durand Hill’s Sophomore season was utter dominance as he was named D3football.com Third Team All American, Associative Press D3 Second Team All-American, and First Team All-ASC after totaling 124 tackles, 2 picks, and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Everyone who watched Division 3 football knew who Durand Hill was after his 2022 sophomore season. With all eyes on the Crusaders Defense in 2023, Durand Hill had to show he wasn’t a one-year wonder. Hill’s 2023 ended with him being named Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Non-FBS Team and All-ASC after getting 44 tackles and 2 interceptions. Knowing 2024 would be his last collegiate season, Hill had to leave a lasting mark for the Crusaders. Durand Hill would total 103 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 picks, and 2 forced fumbles. Durand Hill proved throughout his career at Mary Hardin Baylor that he was one the best Linebackers in school history. After the dominance of his 4 years for the Crusaders, Durand Hill declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, but was never selected or brought to training camp by any team. Durand Hill stayed in football shape and worked for his next opportunity. The San Antonio Toros reached out to Hill to give him an opportunity to prove even though he went to a smaller college, he was still one of the best linebackers coming out of the draft.
Final Thoughts
The Toros are locking down the middle of the field with the additions of Giovanni Williams and Durand Hill. Experienced Defensive Coordinator Jerry Glanville has two great linebackers as they hope to be one of the best defenses in the CoFL. Hill and Williams will hopefully prove to NFL scouts that they are worthy of making a 53-man roster. How many tackles and interceptions do you think Giovanni Williams and Durand Hill will have this year? Comment your answer under the social media posts about this article.