Jamaal Williams Continues to Impress

This year there are not as many questions on the offensive side of the ball as there were last year. The two position groups that see a little mix up is the running backs and the offensive line. The running backs did get some surprising news when just a few weeks ago junior RB Joshua Quezada decided he was going to leave BYU and transfer to another school.

Michael Alisa was already set to become the primary back but the rest of the running backs are licking at the chops to show they can be trusted to get reps; what better time to prove that than at fall camp.

Jamaal Williams is one of those running backs determined to get some carries. Williams comes in as a true freshman at 17 years old. He is a 6-foot, 190-pound speed back coming from Summit High School in Fontana, CA who last year won League Offensive MVP, CIF Offensive MVP and All-CIF First Team. Already during fall camp some are saying he is a lot like Ronney Jenkins who was a speed back for the Cougars in 96'. Jenkins also from California was 5-foot-11, 190-pounds and went on to play in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.

With every incoming freshman cougar nation is excited to pick out the next great and find the one that will be able to help BYU get to the next level. In fall camp so far he has shown flashes of great speed and athletic ability. He has been one of the incoming freshmen that is getting the most attention.

Williams would be able to be a good compliment to Alisa who is more of a traditional BYU back more of an agile power back. Williams can bring a different gear and be able to get past the secondary with his speed. This is a positive sign for cougar nation in seeing such a young RB perform well in camp, but Williams has a tough road ahead of him competing time with Adam Hine, David Foote, Iona Pritchard and Paul Lasike. "I am really impressed with Iona Pritchard. I really like David Foote and we have our fullback in Zed Mendenhall. Jamaal Williams looks good as a freshman and then there is Paul Lasike. I like our running backs." said Coach Bronco Mendenhall.

Cougar Nation will get the opportunity to see Williams and the other backs in this Thursday's practice that is open to the public. Practice begins at 10 a.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium.