Former Bainbridge High School Bearcats and University of Georgia Bulldogs safety Nick Willians has suffered a knee injury as starting safety with the University of North Alabama Lions.

The injury occurred during a Saturday scrimmage on the Lions campus in Florence, Ala.

Williams, who redshirted in 2011 after transferring from the University of Georgia, was an honorable mention All-State selection by both the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Georgia Sports Writers Association, as a senior in 2007. Williams also played quarterback for the Bearcats.

He passed for 2,428 yards and 12 touchdowns in four seasons. He completed 82 of 174 passes for 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns during the 2007 season, and threw for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

North Alabama coach Bobby Wallace said Williams is being counted on to be one of the leaders on defense this season.

The Lions will open their season Sunday against Miles College in the Labor Day Golden Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m.