GoHeels Exclusive: Williams' Confidence Continues to Grow
April 14, 2019 | Football, Featured Writers
By Pat James, GoHeels.com
When Javonte Williams first learned North Carolina was switching to an Air Raid offense, the rising sophomore running back had an understandable reaction.
"When I heard 'Air Raid,'" he said, "I was just thinking, 'Dang, I don't know. We (the running backs) might not be getting the ball.'"
The term "Air Raid" commonly provokes such thoughts. Since its inception in the late 1980s, the system has been regarded as a pass-happy offense. Essentially, that's what it still was when Mack Brown and his Texas Longhorns annually faced Mike Leach, the coach who the Air Raid is most closely associated with, and Texas Tech over the first decade of the 2000s.
Back then, Brown said he often thought about how lethal the offense could be if the power running game was incorporated into it. And over time, that's exactly what new offensive coordinator Phil Longo and Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, among others, have done.
Because of that, Williams said his perception of the Air Raid has drastically changed. It's also become apparent that he'll hold a sizable role in this offense as soon as this fall.
"He can catch, he can run, he's 220 pounds, he's got a low base," Brown said. "He's really fast. He's made some of the bigger plays this spring that we've had. And he's got the unusual ability to be able to take the ball off tackle and make four yards or bounce it outside and make 80. That's just who he is. I think he's really good."
Williams showed why during Saturday's spring game at Kenan Stadium, carrying the ball six times for a game-high 51 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 8.5 yards per carry. His longest went for 20 yards, during which he flashed the ability to bounce a run outside and create extra yardage.
According to his teammates, Saturday was just a sampling of what he's done all spring.
"Javonte is a dog," Antonio Williams said. "I'm excited to be able to play with him for two years and kind of help guide him and mentor him a little bit and teach him the game of football. I think he's going to be a ridiculous running back here at Carolina this year and whenever I'm gone. I'm excited for his career here."
Williams earned similar praise this same time last year as an early enrollee. From there, he continued impressing his coaches and teammates throughout training camp last August. But as a freshman in a crowded backfield, he carried the ball only six times in his first eight games and played primarily on special teams.
Finally, in the last three games, he saw some extended action at running back. He took advantage, turning 37 carries into 193 yards and five touchdowns. And he's continued building off that this offseason, during which he's already gained about 12 pounds of muscle.
"Last year, I started getting more confidence toward the end of the season," Williams said. "This year, I just feel like I'm good enough to play here. My confidence is just sky high now."
His teammates don't recall a time when it hasn't been.
"Honestly, it's looked like he's had a buttload of confidence since he got here," Carl Tucker said. "He's just been doing what he's been doing, but on a grander scale. He's more consistent with it. He's just a great all-around player and so physical, so fast, so strong. He's just doing it more."
With Jordon Brown recently announcing his decision to transfer, Williams' role will continue expanding as the season nears. Williams said Mack Brown has told him "this offense takes three running backs." So, Williams plans to be ready for whenever his name is called.
"I feel like my time is now, and I feel like everybody's time is now pretty much," Williams said. "I think we've all got a special place in this offense, and we're all going to contribute. And what's meant for us, we're going to get it regardless."
