Only eight Big Ten schools brought along their quarterback for Media Days in Las Vegas. Washington’s sophomore quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., was among that group. Seven of the eight are going to be multi-year starters this season, either at their current school or having transferred. Even Dylan Raiola, the only other sophomore quarterback at Big Ten Media Days, started all of last season for Nebraska. Williams was the most inexperienced of the group in terms of playing time. Yet the Huskies chose him to represent the program, speaking to his leadership and maturity at a young age.
“It means a lot for sure,” Williams said. “I just want to keep representing the best way I can, just to be out here and try to represent Washington the best I can.” Williams was calm and confident at the podium in Las Vegas. He shared insight on the offense as well as how he valued his time as the second-string a year ago.
Williams Takes Podium at Big Ten Media Days
Learning From Rogers
Will Rogers was among the most statistically accomplished quarterbacks in the history of the game. He’s the SEC’s second all-time leader in passing yards. Rogers also holds the career and single-season records for completions in that conference. For his final season of eligibility, he was a crucial component of an inexperienced Washington. A rookie roster that had hardly played together before the beginning of the 2024 season. As a true freshman, Williams had the unique opportunity of learning from the veteran. As well as watching how he commanded the locker room.
“I learned just the preparation standpoint of the game,” Williams said while discussing what he learned from Rogers. “[Rogers] is a super hard worker, you can see it every day,” Williams added examples of how Rogers carried himself behind the scenes at workouts, lifts, and player-run practices. “You can just see his leadership qualities, just him as a person, he’s a great dude.” Rogers and Williams had a strong bond last season. At the end of the season, when Williams took over starting duties, Rogers was nothing but supportive of the young signal-caller.
“I would describe myself as a little more outspoken now,” Williams said. “Just going out, trying to encourage people with motivational words, and being able to lead by example, being able to show how to do it.” The true sophomore is the leader of the Husky locker room. It’s evident how his relationship with Rogers has helped Williams become ready for this moment.
Efficient Growth in the Offense
One of the things that offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty discussed this Spring was the dialogue he has with his quarterbacks. The teaching moments on the field aren’t a one-way conversation. “I want to know what he saw, I want him to tell me why he made those decisions,” Dougherty said this past April. “Then we can unpack it from there.” The two-way understanding of why the quarterback made a mistake, coupled with the coaching points to correct it, is one of the things that can help a young player learn quickly. “It usually comes down to a recognition thing, maybe he didn’t see a guy.”
Williams discussed this coaching style and how he’s been able to efficiently correct mistakes and make progress in the offense. “Being able to go back on the film and make notes about what happened, being able to write it down, and then go out the next day and be able to correct it,” Williams said. “I feel like if you’re going out there and you keep making the same mistake, at the end of the day, I feel like that’s your fault. You have to go out there and you have to take accountability for yourself and fix the mistakes.”
Main Photo: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
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