So, it's no surprise he noticed something important two years ago when he joined the Nebraska football program.
"You have to earn your coaches' trust," he says. "That carries you a long way."
It's carried him a long way quickly in the eyes of new Husker safeties coach Bob Elliott, who said last week Williams "is as smart a player as I've ever been around."
A junior free safety from Atlanta, Williams said he appreciates the comments, calling them "overgenerous." They come during an intense spring of learning as the Huskers transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4.