Name: Joshua Williams
School: Benedictine University
Position: RB
Height: 5’7″
Weight: 185
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
One of the biggest goals that was accomplished in my final collegiate season I felt was deeper than any individual goal I had for myself was to become a better team captain getting the newcomers on our team to buy into the new philosophy that Coach Schroder was building to restore Benedictine University to the championship level that it once was. I felt that after the season we had people and players looking to possibly join the team in the future would agree that we are heading in the right direction and feel that our time is coming now. But besides a goal that I set for myself personally was to final surpass a 1,000 yard rushing season. Though last season I was extremely close I finally got it in my senior season. At the beginning of the season I knew that it would come but a toe injury in the first game had me a little concerned if it was achievable. But once conference play started I was able to get over 970 yards in our seven conference games which help me reach that goal.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe that all of my peers would say that I am extremely hardworking holding myself accountable for even the slightest mistakes. I also believe that my coaches and teammates would say that I am a leader with few words I tend to lead by example, letting my actions speak for themselves. Another trait I feel that my peers would say about me is that I am very determined in perfecting my game in order to help us in any possible way.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
Well when I am outside of the season spend most of my time watching old film on myself and videos of other running backs I feel that are great at what they do and try to implement it into my game by practicing it. But when its older film of practice or games I only focus on myself and it’s not because I don’t acknowledge or respect others game but I focus on me because I need to understand and know what I need to get better at to help the team in all aspects.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
Though my height may not be typical for most Running Backs, I firmly believe that my physical abilities are just as good as but at the professional level a running back has to be more than just physically talented. Which is why I have been spending a lot of my time in college, not just working on my talents and skills physically, but also mentally. Being good at the running back position is more than knowing which move to put on somebody, its understanding which move is the best and why. Meaning if you to pull out a move you need to understand whats the reason as to why its the best possibility for being successful. Slowing down the game in my head and being able to use quick thinking too tight situations is what separates me from others.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I have reached out and acquired sports representation which was my first step. Now I am going to continue to train my footwork and quickness with my good friend Rodney Nichols, who is the founder of Grindhard sports training as well as workout and train at Acceleration Sports Performance in Naperville, IL. I have a large plan as well as and understanding of what needs to be done.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field strength, I believe I bring is my quickness and ability to change speed and direction quickly. I have been working on this trait for my entire college career and feel that it is definitely a huge strength of mine, but I want to continue to develop and build it up. Off the field a strength I bring is getting others on the team and community around us involved in buying into the culture of the team. As a professional organization each team holds themselves to a high standard and has a culture that they live and abide by. I believe that each team represents more than just a logo and jersey, they represent their state and country going out there every single day to get better and compete to bring pride and joy to their fans, friends and family. I feel that I can get others to buy into what we as a team are all about.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
I am more than just a player or individual who is looking to make plays on the field. I am a person who is invested in being a great player, a great teammate and great representation of an organization.