Jaylin Williams Embodies the Heart and Soul of this Football Program

Written by: @zachegreene

Cornerback Jaylin Williams has been in the program since the 2018 season and started from the get-go. He has been through almost every emotion in the program. Whether that’s going 2-10 last season or 6-2 during 2020. That said, he embodies the heart and soul of this IU Football Program and put in the work to block the kick in overtime.

“I want to say we worked on it almost every day from left to right. For me coach Randolph, we talked about it after the first game, I said I’m ready. I’ll block any kick. I love doing stuff like that because of their game-changing plays. It can really help the heart and soul of the team.”

The blocked kick came after Williams timed the other kicks the Hilltoppers had in the game. They were running on the same cadence and he had it locked down during the block.

“Honestly., throughout the whole game I was timing it and looking at the ball. I was a little bit off but that block right there, I was waiting on it. It’s like you gotta take 5 steps and after 5 steps just take off and stretch out. I trusted my technique and what they teach me.” Williams said.

Williams's block comes as he has developed, matured, and learned that doing the little things will pay off. And it did.

Williams did not have his best game on Saturday and was called for a crucial Pass Interface that led the Hilltoppers inside the red zone. He knew that he needed to step up for himself as well as his teammates. He says the thing that changed this year compared to his other years in the program is holding each other accountable.

“Just holding each other more accountable. Being more aware of everything. When I say accountable it’s not trying to get on somebody but you know, but it’s for the better of the team. We all respect each other. We are all one team at the end of the day. Offense affects defense, and Defense affects special teams. If everyone can do everything and be on their P’s and Q’s, then the sky is the limit.” Williams explained.

This year was a clean fresh slate for this program with little to no expectations. Now that the program is 3-0, accountability will play more of a factor as there are a bunch of players that are eager to take the field and WIN. It has always been a next guy up approach for Tom Allen’s program and you can bet that he wants guys who are willing to put in the work like Williams and be at their best.