Notre Dame WR Cam Williams Taking Freshman Lessons Into Second Spring Ball
Notre Dame freshman receiver Cam Williams arrived at Notre Dame last January and immediately went to work to carve out a spot in the rotation.
It didn’t happen as Notre Dame had several veterans who were able to step into roles, which led to Williams appearing in just one game in 2024.
The lack of playing hasn’t necessarily frustrated Williams as he’s made it a point to soak in everything from the veterans and learn the finer points of college football.
“It’s gone pretty good,” Williams told ISD. “It’s been a good experience. It’s something I’m blessed to experience just to be here with the guys.”
For most freshmen, the adjustment to college football is a steep one. Every detail of a route is picked to piece. Film study is intense for practice. And then you have the mental part of the game learning a detailed playbook and reading defenses presnap.
Williams has focused on each area of his game over the last year and is starting to see improvement on a daily basis.
“From where I was in January is totally different,” explained Williams. “It’s exciting coming out to practice every day. I’m noticing the things I’m doing better or doing right in terms of footwork and IQ of the game. It makes me even more excited to pick up where I left after the season.”
In the fall, Williams spent most of his time on Notre Dame’s scout team. Some would become frustrated as every player wants to play on Saturday or at least be involved to some capacity. Yet, Williams never looked down on his role because he was able to get reps against Notre Dame’s starting defense, which finished No. 1 in the nation in passing efficiency.
“It’s scout team, but I’m helping the guys out,” stated Williams. “Going against guys like Leonard (Moore) and Christian (Gray) every day in practice at full speed has made me tremendously better.”
Notre Dame’s receiver room has always taken great pride in helping each other out and despite having multiple transfers enter the room, the culture remained the same this fall.
“I think all of them have been great tools,” Williams explained. “Not even just the older guys, but everyone in the room. I can count on them to help me with the game or this move or what I can try. Everyone has been very helpful to this point.”
Williams is also glad to have the quarterback in his recruiting class back on the practice field. CJ Carr missed several weeks with an elbow injury and returned to practice toward the end of the year.
Carr, who also worked with the scout team, shined at times as he impressed Williams and the rest of his teammates with his ability to deliver the football, especially when it was predetermined.
“He loves to throw the ball,” Williams said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the go route or the dig across the middle. He’ll throw it. Sometimes, on the card, you have to throw it to a specific spot, but he doesn’t care. He will find the open guy. It’s great having CJ healthy and throwing the ball.”
Williams will now turn his attention to preparing for spring ball and to make a move up Notre Dame’s depth chart.
“Playing fast,” said Williams when asked what he wanted to show this spring. “When I got here, I was really timid. You can’t play timid. I want to keep elevating my speed and how quickly I can process things while I’m out there. I’ve been looking at focusing on those areas.”
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