Mobile, AL [August 23, 2025] The 68 VENTURES ANNUAL GIFT was awarded to senior walk-ons who exemplifies the core values of South Alabama Football: honesty, respect, integrity and doing things the right way. These individuals have distinguished themselves as ultimate teammates—defined by unwavering dedication, selflessness, and relentless work ethic. Their passion for the game, deep love for The University of South Alabama, and daily impact on the team’s culture embody what it truly means to be a Jag. They may not have arrived as a top recruit, and will never play a down in the NFL, but they have earned the unwavering respect of their coaches and teammates alike. They are the heart and soul of the program.

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Sam Williams and Keyshawn Woodyard, both senior walk-ons at the University of South Alabama, as the recipients of the 1st Annual 68 Ventures Annual Gift. They were selected by Coach Applewhite and his staff based off the values they exemplify, their love for the program, and their contributions to the team. 68 Ventures’ Founder and Chairman, Nathan Cox, was a walk-on at the University of Alabama from 2000-2003, so it was important to him to honor players that traveled a similar path. Cox stated, “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success, both in the classroom and later in my professional life, to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates in Alabama. It crushed me to lack the ability to contribute in the same ways they could, so I made up my mind to be the best I could be in other areas to compensate for it. These young men are much more accomplished athletes than I ever was, and after hearing their stories, they are without a doubt ideal selections for what we envisioned being represented by the 68 Ventures Annual Gift.” Cox went on to say, “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given, and our ethos is to do the right things for the right reasons. Both Sam and Keyshawn embody these commitments as well as the rest of our values – I really can’t put into words how rewarding it is for me on a personal level to get to do this. While I was never a factor on the field, my time as a student-athlete shaped the trajectory of my life. We are all fortunate to have Coach Applewhite and his staff molding their players into future leaders for our community and beyond.” In addition to Sam and Keyshawn receiving this gift, University of Alabama senior walk-on offensive lineman, Graham Roten, also received a 68 Ventures Annual Gift in recognition of his unwavering love for the program and outstanding performance in the classroom.