Monte Williams exists in some circles as a folk legend. The state’s all-time leader rusher, Williams attended Commerce High School in Jackson County from 1997 to 2000. During this stretch, the Tigers won four consecutive region titles and won 48 of 54 games. Williams’ 8,844 career rushing yards stand alone at the top in state records, and his 105 rushing touchdowns are tied for the fourth-most in state history. Williams, a 5-foot-7, 168-pound back, was tagged by many in his time as the fastest back to the line of scrimmage. In his final game, the Class A state championship versus Buford, Williams was a stalwart and led Commerce to its second-ever state championship. In the victory, Williams compiled 287 rushing yards and caught a 41-yard pass for a touchdown as an elusive, zigzagging gamebreaker. He was a rare three-time first-team AJC, GSWA All-State pick (1998-2000) while also making honorable mention as a freshman. He was the GSWA’s 1999 All-Class Player of the Year. He was overlooked by most Division 1 schools because of his size and ended up playing one season at Butler Community College, a junior college in Kansas, where he rushed for 565 yards on 125 carries. His rushing record has held steady over the last 22 years as the next closest back finished 736 yards short.
