When a defensive back snags a pick in preseason training camp and has observers scrambling for their rosters, you know something special is brewing. That’s exactly what went down last week with No. 15, Jayven Williams, at BYU’s practice. This Mississippi State transfer is already making waves, and everyone expects him to make a serious impact for the Cougars this fall.
This SEC Transfer Brings Serious Speed and Playmaking
Williams is a fifth-year senior who made the jump to BYU from Mississippi State, by way of Kennesaw State. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, this dude stands at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds. From what everyone’s seen in camp, his playmaking ability and outstanding speed are legit. While Tre Alexander and Evan “Shmev” Johnson look like they have the starting cornerback spots locked down, keep your eyes peeled for Williams. He’s absolutely a guy who could get a ton of playing time in that secondary. Don’t forget about redshirt junior Kevin Doe and redshirt freshman Jordyn Criss either, they’re in the mix too. Sophomore Jonathan Kabeya is still rehabbing, but the Cougars clearly have some talent to replace Mory Bamba, who’s now with the New York Jets.
“Best Guys Are Going to Play” Says Coach Walker
New BYU cornerbacks coach Lewis Walker laid it out plain after spring camp: “From the time I walked in, I told those guys that everybody has a clean slate with me. I didn’t recruit any of these guys. I don’t care if you are a walk-on or a true freshman or an All-American senior. The best guys are going to play.” And Williams? He’s not shying away from that challenge. The man is all about putting in the work. He said he’s “just working hard every day” and “whatever they want me to do, that is what I am going to do. If they need me to snap the football, I will snap the football. I’m just trying to get better.” He even gives props to Alexander and “Shmev,” saying “we are all just putting our pride to the side and learning from each other.” This guy just wants to play his best and compete hard.
From Receiver to DB, Williams Is Locked In
Williams has had quite the journey to Provo. He played nickelback his last year at Kennesaw State, and was mostly a cornerback for the Bulldogs last year, where he racked up 18 total tackles and one interception in 13 games. Rewind further, and he was strictly a receiver in high school at Baker High in Alabama before switching to defensive back at Kennesaw State. He’s made it clear he’s found his home on defense, stating, “I don’t mind scoring touchdowns, but now I’m used to playing DB, so that’s where I’ll stay. I am just locked in on DB right now, hoping to show out there.” He arrived in January, participated in spring ball, and even graduated in April with a degree in general studies. Plus, he’s married to his longtime girlfriend, Eleanna, and fits right into Coach Kalani Sitake’s culture. Get ready to see what Jayven Williams brings to the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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