Williams Gives Cardinals a Big Back to Carry the Load

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Throughout his coaching career, University of Louisville head football coach Bobby Petrino has always liked big, strong backs in the backfield.

During his first stint with the Cardinals, there were Lionel Gates, Eric Shelton, Michael Bush and Anthony Allen carry the football as big, physical running backs. Now, Petrino will welcome Dae Williams, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound back from Sapulpa, Okla., to fill that role.

Redshirting last year, Williams was able to build his body to be able to withstand the hits and become the back that Petrino loves to have within the framework of his offense.

"I was able to get in the weight room last year and just get stronger," Williams said. "I feel like I'm a lot stronger this year after coming in as a freshman. These guys are a lot bigger and stronger than in high school, so I need to get bigger, which I feel like I have."

Labeled a two-star prospect by the recruiting experts, Williams rushed for 1,673 yards and 19 touchdowns in his senior season, which enabled him to be tabbed the Player of the Year at Sapulpa High School.

Williams' power was on display in the first scrimmage of the spring last Saturday.

"I don't worry about those things," Williams said about his ranking
In his initial test of his collegiate career, Williams scored four times and carried over 30 times in pacing the offense last Saturday in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

"I think I'm adjusting to the speed and to the moves of the game," Williams said.

Being the biggest and best player on the field in high school, Williams is just a freshman trying to compete for a starting role. He showed his competiveness and drive toward the end of the scrimmage when Petrino called over 20 consecutive running plays.

"They are putting me in a lot of different situations," Williams said. "I'm getting three or four carries, and I'm have to make decisions. I didn't have to do that in high school because I didn't get tired like that."

However, the running back in Petrino's offense is more than just a running back. They have to be able to protect the quarterback in passing situations.

"I've learned a long time ago that if you don't block, you won't play for coach Petrino," running backs coach Kolby Smith said. "Anybody can run the ball, but you have to have the will to stand up there and protect the quarterback."

Williams, who comes from a run-oriented offense in Oklahoma, has adjusted to the blocking schemes. He continues to work on protecting the Heisman Trophy winner in Lamar Jackson.
"In high school, I got the ball all the time and we never threw the ball, Williams said. "I am learning that protecting the quarterback is the most important thing and keeping Lamar safe. I know coach always talks about that if you can't protect the quarterback then you can't play."

While keeping the quarterback safe is certainly a top priority, the signal caller's best friend is a good running game, and with Williams carrying the football, Jackson will have a very good companion alongside him.

University of Louisville Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Lamar Jackson

Dae Williams

Related Videos