Williams maturing on, off field

GREENVILLE - Jonathan Williams went through a rough offseason. In April, Williams was arrested for a DUI in Greenville.

Since that day, the sophomore from J.H. Rose High School in Greenville has worked hard and now is a key contributor in East Carolina's success.

When running back Dominique Lindsay suffered a season-ending knee injury in August, Williams knew it was his chance to show what he is made of.

Senior running back Brandon Simmons took Williams under his wing to groom the future of the Pirates ground game.

"B. Simmons has been out there helping me out every day," Williams said. "I learn from him and just try to go out there and step up with Dominique Lindsay out."

Even East Carolina coach Skip Holtz has acknowledges the progression of Williams.

"He is maturing as a football player and as a young man," Holtz said. "I am really proud of him. He is running physical and he is a tremendous talent. He has got a great role model in Brandon Simmons, to show him how to do it every single day and how to go how every play."

Simmons, as Williams' role model, believes with Williams in as a back-up, the Pirates running game doesn't miss a beat.

"It is a great thing," Simmons said. "We really try to encourage each other to have their best game. It is pretty good when you can leave the game and not lose a beat. I am really proud of Jon for that."

In Saturday's 24-3 win over No. 8 West Virginia, Williams gained 69 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Williams gave the Pirates the lead with a 5-yard touchdown run on the first possession of the game. He added his second score on the first possession in the second half.

In the previous week against No. 17 Virginia Tech, he had 48 rushing yards and one touchdown.

"It is great to see Jon Williams out there running the ball," East Carolina wide receiver Dwayne Harris said. "Everyday he works hard in practice. Every time he gets the ball it seems like he gets stronger and stronger. I hope he keeps doing a good job."

Last season, Williams piled up just 153 yards on 22 carries backing up Chris Johnson and Lindsay.

"It is giving me confidence," said Williams about his second year wearing the purple and gold. "Last year I didn't have too much confidence. I didn't really get too many plays."

According to Simmons, Williams is not just running physical, but he is stepping up to the challenge in other aspects of the game.

"Younger guys tend to think a little differently than the older guys," Simmons said. "He is maturing everyday and getting better everyday. He is progressing, not only with the ball in his hands, but in pass protection and catching the ball."

The Pirates return to action on Saturday when they travel to New Orleans to square off with Tulane.

Adam Thompson can be reached at (252) 635-5670 or at athompson@freedomenc.com.