With a new offensive coordinator and multiple freshmen, many pieces of the Weber State University football team have changed since last season. However, Wildcat fans may recognize senior safety Desmond Williams on the current roster, who’s lacing up this season as a captain.

“Coming here first in 2019, I’m always told I’ve had a leader role,” Williams said. “It was just a part of my personality really. Just being an out-speaking guy and just trying to help others around me as well.”

Playing for Boise State University first, Williams tried to find an opportunity to get more playing time. Former Wildcat quarterback Jake Constantine knew Williams well from their days at Boise State and persuaded him to take a look at Ogden.

“When I first got here, guys embraced me really well,” Williams said. “It wasn’t hard at all getting right in with coaches.”

Unfortunately, Williams didn’t have the chance to make a first impression on the field during his debut season as a Wildcat. An ACL injury in fall training camp stopped him from playing until the shortened Spring 2021 season, where he played five games on Weber State’s road to their fourth-straight Big Sky title.

During that season, Williams made All-Big Sky honors, recording three forced-fumbles and recovering two. Williams also had 28 solo tackles that season along with an interception. However, his run was cut short by another ACL injury during the final game of the season.

“It’s just been a part of my journey,” Williams said about injuries. “I just kind of embrace it now and just know that it happened for a reason and it made me not only the player I am today, but also the man that I am today.”

Williams returned to the field during his junior year, playing the last six games of the season. During that time, he recorded a season-high 11 tackles against Portland State and returned a 65-yard interception for a touchdown during the final game of the season against the University of Northern Colorado.

Despite some memorable performances by Williams last season, the Wildcats struggled to achieve their success from their prior title runs. Weber State finished the season with a 1–4 record at home and a 6-5 record overall.

“We know our record last year at home was not ideal,” Williams said. “It’s a goal to win every home game, so that will be a focus: to win at home and go undefeated at home.”

Weber State won their season-opener against Western Oregon 41–5 at Stewart Stadium. Although Williams says the team takes games week-by-week, he said he’s looking forward to a conference rivalry later this year.

“Personally, for me, I would say maybe Portland State because that was the game that maybe got us out of the playoffs last year,” Williams said when discussing anticipated matchups. “I want to know every week and just focus on the team ahead.”

The Wildcats will travel to Logan, Utah, next week to face off against Utah State University on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.