Aneyas Williams Embracing Significant Role for Notre Dame in CFB Playoff
Aneyas Williams has been a fixture in the Notre Dame running back rotation all year.
The early season action paved the way for Williams to create and master his role, but in last week’s Orange Bowl, Mike Denbrock let this freshman running back loose.
During Notre Dame’s first drive of the third quarter, Williams caught a 36-yard pass on a sluggo route that set the tone for the rest of the game.
“I’m not going to lie; the opportunity did present itself throughout the week,” Williams stated. “I’ve been doing it and I’ve been repping it. Me and JLove (Jeremiyah Love) have been repping that route together. With JLove’s situation, Coach trusted me enough to put me in and I just went out there and executed.”
Catching the football isn’t anything new to Williams. While starring at Hannibal High School (Mo.), Williams recorded 177 receptions for 3,249 yards and scored 152 total touchdowns.
The route was a beauty as Williams faked the slant and from there, he knew it was over for Penn State linebacker Kobe King.
“Don’t drop it,” laughed Wiliams. “I ran the route right and I saw him bit on the slant. I knew I was getting it. It was about executing and making the play.”
If that wasn’t enough momentum for the Irish, Williams took the ball 15 yards inside the Penn State five on the next play.
“I think we were one play away the whole game,” said Williams, “We know how powerful this offense can be and as soon as we got rolling, it was hard to stop.”
Williams’ big plays not only gave Notre Dame momentum but the belief they could get the job done. In fact, they paved the way for Jaden Greahouse’s 54-yard touchdown and perhaps the most legendary two-yard touchdown run in Notre Dame history by Love
“Are we surprised anymore at what he does,” Williams said of Love. “That was a hell of a run. Kudos to him for the work he puts in. The unselfishness he puts into each day. Going out there with a knee brace on and knowing he’s not 100 percent. Watch out. He’s got 11 days to rest.”
The slow first half didn’t frustrate Notre Dame. It motivated them at halftime. It’s likely Marcus Freeman had a few choice words as well, but Notre Dame responding shouldn’t have been surprise to anyone who has watched this team since the Northern Illinois game.
“Throughout this year, we’ve been there before,” explained Williams. “Since week two, we’ve been playing with our backs against the wall. This wasn’t anything new. It was about being able to respond. I think that’s what our team prides itself on. Team glory just powers us through a lot.”
Notre Dame finished the Orange Bowl with 267 passing yards a week after they totaled 90 in a win against Georgia. The Sugar Bowl performance did motivate the Irish offense, but at the same time, it’s a group willing to do whatever it takes to win.
“Being able to walk away with the win against Georgia not playing our best football is really fortunate,” Williams stated. “Coach Denbrock’s message on Tuesday was about going about showing who we really are. I still don’t think we reached that level as far as passing wise. The rushing game wasn’t there, but that’s who this team is. We’re going to find a way and that’s what our team hangs our hat on.”
When it comes to playing for a National Title, Williams admits there has been a little talk in the locker room about it, but now that it’s here, it’s full focus on Ohio State and embracing the moment.
“It’s not something you just talk about,” said Williams. “We’ve obviously been talking about a little bit throughout the year, but as you get closer, it’s like, ‘This is a long season.’ This is 16-17 weeks. Shoot, the mid-years are already coming for the next class.
“Each week, you get closer and closer. You just realize it’s all going to be worth it. To think about this being my first year, it’s a blessing.”
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