Highly touted freshman QB Isaiah Williams not focused on depth chart in fall camp

It sounds like Illinois freshman Isaiah Williams is mature beyond his years and focused on the task at hand at the start of fall practices.

The highly-touted freshman is gearing up for his first season with the Illini after picking Lovie Smith’s squad over a host of offers coming out of high school. Williams was rated as the No. 6 ATH and No. 116 overall recruit in the country for the 2018 class.

Williams will play quarterback for Illinois, but it remains to be seen if he will be the starter to open the season. While there is little doubt Williams would love to be the starter, it does not sound like that is his focus in fall camp. He sat down with the media and indicated his goal is simply on working hard and learning every day:

“I don’t want nothing guaranteed,” said Williams. “I knew coming in, the one thing I had to focus on was me just working hard and learning everything. I know my time will come.”

Sportscaster Gordon Voit shared the video of Williams’ comments:

“I don’t want nothing guaranteed. I don’t want nothing given to me.”

Taking a step back, how rare — even countercultural — is this? How many “program changers” have this attitude?

Highly prized QB Isaiah Williams (@i_williams11) embracing merit with @IlliniFootball. @_Illini_ pic.twitter.com/AK3WAj2iEk

— Gordon Voit (@GordonVoit) August 6, 2019