Notre Dame RB Dexter Williams Continues To Bring The Juice
Dexter Williams had to wait four games to show his growth over the offseason, and the senior running back hasn’t disappointed.
The Florida native leads the Irish in rushing with 512 yards and seven touchdowns in just four games, which includes three 100-yard games.
On Saturday night, Williams ran a career-high 23 times for 142 yards and three scores against Navy. The drive behind Williams tough running has been simple.
“I’m really doing what my team and the coaches ask,” Williams explained. “I’m able to make that play whether it’s getting a first down or touchdown. I want to be accountable for them giving me the ball. I want them to know they can count on me to get the first down or score. Whenever they call, I just try my best and give it my all. I want to run with force and a lot of power to continue to make plays.”
The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder has also embraced the role of being the hype man for the Irish. Williams has always been known for his passionate play, but the Irish have fed off it this fall.
“Being the Juice Man, they feed off me,” stated Williams. “When I get energy from my guys, we can’t be stopped. As long as we keep feeding and grinding off of each other, we will continue to get stronger during the game.”
Williams might have scored three touchdowns on Saturday, but he didn’t get the ball for his efforts carrying the rock. Head coach Brian Kelly gave him the game ball for his pass blocking, which is something Williams had been focused on over the last few weeks.
“Getting with Coach Denson and taking the time to learn defenses and learn blitzes,” Williams said. “Tuesday and Wednesday, we do a lot of blitz pickups. Picking them up in practice allows me to do it in the games.
“It’s about playing my heart for my teammates. It’s really about them wanting me to make plays without the ball in my hand. I have to be able to block and do everything as a running back. I have to be an all-around running back.”
Pass blocking isn’t easy, but for Williams, it wasn’t about effort as it was more about the finer points of the game.
“Knowing where the blitzes are coming from was the biggest part,” explained Williams. “Being able to read the defense when they are about to blitz. Having Book being able to check out of those blitzes helps me out.”
Saturday night also marked the first time the Irish backfield was fully intact. Sophomore Jafar Armstrong returned to the field and had over 100 yards of total offense and Williams loved every second of it.
“He helps me out a lot,” said Williams. “He’s able to free me up, and I’m able to free him up to make plays. It takes a lot of attention off of me because he’s a weapon as well. Having him back is great for me. It’s great for the team, and we’re happy to have him back.”
This weekend, Notre Dame will travel to Chicago to take on Northwestern with playoff hopes on the line. Williams has been impressed with the Wildcats on film, but he also knows it comes down to playing Irish football.
“They have a good defense,” Williams said. “They do a lot of blitzes and movement with the defensive line. They have some great football players, but we have to focus on us and play Notre Dame football.”
With four games left in the regular season, Williams is seeing his time in the Notre Dame uniform wind down, and he plans on keeping things simple over the next month.
“I have to continue to have fun with my teammates every Saturday,” said Williams. “I have to play hard and rise to the occasion for my team. I want to focus on my tasks to do what I do on the field. I have to prepare throughout the week starting on Monday.”