Notre Dame RB Aneyas Williams Ready to Elevate Game in Sophomore Season

Aneyas Williams entered his first training camp a year ago with something to prove. 

The Missouri native didn’t waste time showing he belonged. As a true freshman, Williams totaled 219 rushing yards, 172 receiving yards and two touchdowns — carving out a role as a versatile third-down option in one of the deepest backfields in college football.

Now entering his sophomore season, Williams isn’t looking to prove he belongs. He’s focused on showing just how high his ceiling is.

“It’s a sense of belonging knowing you can do this,” stated Williams. “For the longest time, I was telling myself you’re just a freshman. I think getting rid of that mindset this year and knowing I did this last year, I can pick it up and do it at a higher percent this year.” 

Williams’ freshman campaign gave fans a glimpse of his abilities and what he can bring to the offense. But with Notre Dame’s running back room as loaded as ever, Williams knows earning more touches means bringing consistency to everything he does.

“You’ve just got to keep putting your best foot forward and continually doing it in practice,” Williams explained. “We’ve widened up some things in the running back room with some two-back things. I think my ability to run routes and run the ball will create good opportunities for me and all the other guys on the team. With this running back room, you’ve got to find a way to get us on the field. We’re so deep.” 

Williams was one of the most explosive players in Missouri High School football history as he finished with 4,255 rushing yards, 3,249 receiving yards and 152 career touchdowns during his prep career. 

The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder is a weapon in the run and pass game, and Williams wants to show he’s a complete back this fall. 

“I didn’t get a chance the carry the ball a whole lot last year,” Williams explained. “Showing my vision and then downfield speed, breakaway speed. I lost a little bit of weight to pick that up. That was a big thing for me, wanting to show during camp and just excel in that. Good vision, breaking tackles and keep doing it.”

Williams is also aware of the importance of his role in helping Notre Dame’s new starting quarterback, whether it’s CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey, get comfortable. With no returning starter under center, the running backs will be leaned on as a stabilizing presence.

“Just being there for him, especially thinking back about how it was with Riley (Leonard),” said Williams. “Telling CJ and Kenny, I know where I’m going and helping them out, knowing that when we have motions, knowing that I’m there and knowing that they’re going to be protected. That’s a big thing, and then I also want them to know that they’re always going to have a safety checkdown with us and we’re always open.”

Williams has also seen both quarterbacks take positive steps forward in presnap adjustments, which is vital for the success of the offense. And Williams is more than willing to stick his nose in their and mix it up in pass protection. 

“I think they’re both already coming around and advanced enough to make the right checks,” explained Williams. “But if they don’t see it, just being able to get that tough pickup off the side we didn’t make the call to and letting them know we’ve got it. 

“It’s just repetition and comfort. I’m so comfortable now. That’s the biggest thing. Picking up the blitz can change every single time. You’ve got different rushers, different techniques, just the way they rush. But just being comfortable pre-snap in the backfield, doing my checkdowns, making it easier on myself instead of having crazy eyes and having to catch everything. Just going from one, two, three and then just being comfortable being able to pick up the blitz and never being hectic.” 

With so much depth at running back, touches won’t come easy. Under Ja’Juan Seider, who’s built on the culture installed by Deland McCullough, the standard of play is at an all-time high, which is how every running back in the room wants it. 

“I’ve got my best foot forward going into camp,” said Williams. “I’m going to give it all I’ve got and just like everyone else in the room, we’re competing. So knowing that the coaching staff has seen me do it, I’m just making sure I stay consistent in my craft and just keep continuing to do it.” 

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