Two days into the 2024 spring schedule, and this year’s leadership already feels different. While several players are stepping up throughout the roster, when it comes to the offensive side of the ball, LSU running back Josh Williams brings something a little unique to the table, according to coach Brian Kelly.
LSU running back Josh Williams possesses a rare form of leadership
It’s not often you get an opportunity to stick a sixth year senior on your starting lineup, particularly at the running back position, but that’s exactly what coach Brian Kelly and LSU has in Houston, TX, product Josh Williams.
After initially joining the program as a walk-on who was just chasing a dream, Williams now has 46 career wins and a national championship to his name as we now look ahead to what’s likely his final season at the college level.
Interestingly enough, sixth year seniors aren’t exactly a rare finding in today’s era of college football, but having someone with a master’s degree on roster is something you don’t see very often, and it isn’t going unnoticed by coach Brian Kelly.
Earlier today, the Tiger head coach spoke to the media for the first time of the spring season and he had nothing but glowing things to say about the veteran LSU running back.
“When you have a guy that’s already been awarded a master’s degree – when it comes to holding their end academically – he’s a model for that. So, I think that speaks for itself. And just the way he attacks the day.”
Over the course of his career, Josh Williams has never exactly been a dominant force from a leading back standpoint, Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more consistent player in all of college football. Seemingly every time touches the ball, he manages to escape at least one tackle, often requiring multiple defenders to take him down.
When considering his 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame, it makes it all the more impressive because of the fact that a large chunk of his ability to run through people comes from mental strength.
Through four seasons of active collegiate football, Williams has found his way to 197 carries for 1,012 yards and 11 touchdowns, while adding 40 receptions for 337 yards and touchdown along the way.
Now, as we look ahead to the coming 2024 season, the LSU running back is the current projected starter and is likely looking forward to an opportunity to add even more wins to his career with the purple and gold.
The future of Tiger ball carriers is benefitting from his presence
When thinking about who specifically is being impacted by Williams’ presence in 2024, the list could go on forever. However, for obvious reasons, the young ball carriers on roster are feeling it a bit extra as he provides leadership every single day within the position room.
When looking at the Tiger roster, the next oldest running back on scholarship comes from the soon-to-be sophomore class, as Kaleb Jackson is the next oldest active player in the group.
When talking about the veteran running back, coach Brian Kelly was particularly impressed by Williams’ ability to lead the room without even saying a word.
“He doesn’t have to say anything. You just watch how he handles himself every single day, both outside this building and inside this building, he becomes a great role model for our younger players – not just the running backs but for all of our younger players.”
Having lost a bulk of production on offense heading into the new season, every ounce of that leadership is going to be needed if the Tigers hope to make a run at the new-look College Football Playoff.
“Anytime you have a chance to hold on to a guy like that – and he’s a really good football player too – for me, when you put a roster together in roster management, he’s a guy you just circle and say, ‘You can’t touch him,'” the Tiger head coach continued. “That guy is so valuable to our football team in so many other ways because he helps at the foundational principles and the standards within your program.”
Tiger fans will have their first opportunity to watch Williams later this spring, as he’s set to take part in the 2024 National L Club Spring Game on April 13. Until then, keep watching as he – along with the entire running back room – looks to put the country on notice in the new college football season.
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