And a year removed from setting 18 school records as a junior, the quarterback’s assurance in himself as well as his teammates might be at an all-time high.
“He’s a lot more confident than normal,” said senior receiver Damien Washington about Williams, a fifth-year senior. “He’s trying to lead and be more positive this year.”
Before reaching this stage in his career, Williams’ conviction was tested. Once a highly touted recruit, he waited his turn to see the field. And after withdrawing from school in the spring of 2013 for academic reasons, another obstacle stood in his path.
But his steadfast confidence in the face of such adversity allowed him to attain the leadership role he now holds as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2015 season.
After redshirting in 2011, Williams saw limited action in 2012, playing in nine games as a backup. But before spring practices in 2013, he left UNC and returned to his Charlotte home after underperforming in the classroom.
“When I was kicked out of school, I had to think about how much football really means to me,” he said. “Being away from those guys, getting up at 5 o’clock in the morning, and I’m still sitting there like, ‘Man, I’m not with my team.’ That kind of put a hurt to my heart.”
When he returned to the team in fall 2013, Williams reclaimed his backup role. But after quarterback Bryn Renner suffered a season-ending injury, Williams became the starter.
He led UNC to four wins in six starts, including a win over Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl. Despite his performance, he entered the spring of 2014 competing for the starting job.
