When Joe Williams’ number was called last Saturday night against Arizona, he did not shy away from the moment. Now, with the recent news of workhorse Devontae Booker having scheduled a minor meniscus surgery for Thursday, Williams’ number is going to be called on a lot this coming Saturday against UCLA.
Against the Wildcats, Williams rushed seven times for 37 yards and had three catches for 13 yards. He will continue to do whatever necessary to help the Utes succeed on the field.
“It felt good being able to get on the field and being able to help the team,” Williams said. “Felt good to have my number called and do what I do best.”
Although the team will miss Booker’s presence on the field, Williams has taken the time to learn from him and hopes he can somewhat replicate what he can do. Even during this upcoming game, he’ll be relying on Booker to guide him and help him figure things out.
“He’s like a big brother,” Williams said. “[He’s been] teaching me, getting me used to the game.”
Coming from the junior college ranks, it’s taken a bit of time for Williams to get used to the level of not only Division-I, but Pac-12 play. Although he still needs to pick up a few things, head coach Kyle Whittingham thinks he is doing a better job every week and realizes he should have played him more last week considering the spark he gave the offense.
Whittingham also sees how Williams has been learning from Booker and draws a lot of comparisons between the two. They both have a lot of power — Booker may have a bit more, but Whittingham is sure Williams is quicker.
“He’s faster, that’s his real forte, his speed,” Whittingham said. “He’s not quite as big, maybe 10-12 pounds lighter than Devontae, but he’s explosive and he’s tough. He’s a good back. Right now he’s the heir apparent to Devontae and that bodes well for next year.”
Britain Covey also has complete faith in Williams, and he is confident in Williams’ ability to carry the ball.
“Joe is a physical specimen,” Covey said. “He’s crazy fast, he’s big.”
Not only is Covey sure Williams will do whatever he can to help out the team, he knows he will bring some sideline relief during some high stress moments. Williams is known for making his teammates laugh, no matter the situation, and he doesn’t even care if he gets in trouble.
“Joe’s a goofball,” Covey said. “He brightens the team’s day. Sometimes coaches have to get on him for joking around too much.”
Williams thinks adding some comic relief is much needed to take the edge off some tense moments and does not mind being the guy to do so.
“[I like to] put a smile on everybody’s faces, crack jokes,” Williams said. “Keep it serious here and there. I always start poking people, tickling them, just goofy stuff. Everybody thinks football players are serious but we act like clowns on the field. You just got to keep it fun at the end of the day.”
Even though there is a lot of pressure for this game, especially on Williams, since he will be filling Booker’s shoes, he is not worried. He knows what he is capable of and what he can do on the field. He’s just going to have to show everyone else.
“I go in every game with the mentality that if I get my chance to go in I’m going to do well,” Williams said. “[I need] to go in, do my job whether it’s running, pass reception, blocking, doing my 1-11. Doing my job so we can get this win.”
@kbrenneisen