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Isaiah Williams preparing for additional role at Illinois in 2022
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Isaiah Williams has taken an interesting journey throughout his time at Illinois. Initially joining the program as a quarterback in 2019, Williams made the transition to wide receiver with flying colors in 2021.
After the move, Williams led the Illini in receiving last season with 47 catches for 525 yards and 4 touchdowns. Williams also added a pair of rushing touchdowns and is one of the best weapons returning on the outside for Illinois.
In addition to his role with the offense, Williams might get on the field on special teams in 2022. According to Jeremy Werner with Illini Inquirer, Williams is embracing the work as a returner and is focusing on becoming “special” as a returner.
“Honestly, I feel like that’s one of the best things for me. Since last year, I’ve been trying to learn kick returner and punt returner even if I didn’t play it because I feel like it’s really important at this level and the next level, the return game,” said Williams. “Just having that opportunity, it’s a blessing. Being able to learn from Coach Snyder since he just got hired, learning from a guy like him, I feel like it could take my return game to the next level. That’s something I want to be real special at, punt returner and kick returner. However I can get on the field, as many ways as I can get on the field, I’m with it.”
Williams definitely has the physical traits of speed and elusiveness to contribute as a return man. It will be interesting to see how he performs there this season.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.