NASHVILLE — Josh Williams recalled the moment he had arrived as an impact player.
The LSU running back had just recorded his first 100-yard game of his career with a 14-carry, 106-yard performance in a 45-35 victory at Florida. A significant milestone for a former scout team player turned starter.
“Honestly, the most surreal moment was after the Florida game going into the locker room and Coach (Brian) Kelly giving me the game ball after I had a 100-yard game,” said Williams at SEC Media Days inside the Grand Hyatt on Monday. “That was a big deal for me. It was the first time I ever actually noticed that I actually had some accomplishments for real.”
After only fielding a few scholarship offers (Dayton, Drake and Colorado State Pueblo), the Houston native arrived to LSU in 2019 as a walk-on. That first season in Baton Rouge saw the 5-foot-9, 205-pound running back play on the scout team as the Tigers went on to an undefeated season that ended with a national title.
Williams learned plenty from the older players.
“I would say the main thing that helped me was seeing the consistency that they put in each and every day,” Williams said. “You know, when you see guys like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase and Clyde Edwards-Helaire come in each and every day, going the extra mile, doing the extra small detailed things, that’s what showed me what works, the consistency.”
Learning how to become a consistent player allowed Williams to earn a scholarship in 2020, and then earn the trust of his new head coach Kelly. During last year’s 10-win season, Williams led all Tiger running backs in rushing yards (532) and had six rushing touchdowns.
Expectations are through the roof for LSU this offseason, which mirrors the program’s own confidence.
“I would say this offseason there’s a lot more confidence in the building,” said Williams, who has earned SEC Academic Honor Roll honors three times. “Everybody knows everybody. We’re comfortable.”
With the addition of Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs and John Emery being ruled eligible to play, LSU’s running back will be crowded. Yet, Williams isn’t concerned about what his work load will or will not be this season.
“It’s ultimately up to Coach Kelly what my role will be,” Williams said. “All I know is that I am going to stay consistent each and every day and give it all I have.”
No matter what his role may be in 2023, Williams is enjoying the opportunity to make even more moments in the purple and gold in 2023.
“It means everything in the world for me to be here in this spot that I’m in,” Williams said. “Coming into LSU as a walk-on and seeing the guys that participate in the SEC Media Days and what they meant for the team and what they meant to the coaching staff, just to be in the position I am now, it just feels amazing.”
ESPN Southwest Louisiana’s SEC Media Days coverage is presented by Beal & Hebert.