Isiah “Juice” Williams

Juice-Williams

Quarterback

University of Illinois

Senior

6’2” 235 lbs.

Strengths:
Size, speed, arm strength, conference strength.

Weaknesses:  Inconsistency, decision making, spread offense, accuracy

By John L. Clarke

Isiah “Juice” Williams is not necessarily on many NFL teams radar’s, but he has the potential to be.  Juice has the size, speed and arm strength that many NFL teams will covet, IF…and the IF is capitalized for a reason… he can finally reach his potential as he began too last season.

The nickname of Juice was given to him by his Grandmother after he was born weighing 13 lbs. 8 ounces (as in, ‘Big and Juicy’). 
Juice, now a senior, is essentially a four year starter as he took over the University of Illinois Fighting Illni helm just 4 games into his freshman year.  Although he was physically gifted, he was more of a running back that could occasionally pass than a true dual threat quarterback.  He finished with a dismal completion percentage of 39% while throwing 9 touchdowns vs. 9 interceptions…but he had potential.  He did rush for 576 yards after all.

The start of his sophomore year saw his inconsistency in the passing game continue.  He played as though he was going through the motions until the Illini went to perennial powerhouse Ohio State.  He personally stepped up to upset the Buckeyes while throwing for 4 touchdowns and rushing for 70 yards.  His potential was starting resurface.  He helped the Illini get back into national predominance as they went to the Rose Bowl to face Big Ten killer USC.  Williams succumbed to the ultra talented USC defense as he threw 2 interceptions and no touchdowns.

For the season, his completion percentage increased to 57%, but he only threw 13 touchdowns and had 12 interceptions…but, again, he had potential as he rushed for 755 yards and 7 touchdowns.
His junior year finally saw him learn from the past two years as he strived closer to reaching his potential.  He opened up strong with a 451 yard and 5 touchdown performance vs. the University of Missouri although the Illini lost.  Williams struggled at times, but he made considerable gains as he passed for over 3,000 yards and threw 22 touchdowns to 16 interceptions while again completing 57% of his passes.  His dual threat status was now officially credible as he churned out over 700 yards of rushing as well.
Williams should reach his potential this year as he has taken his preparation more seriously than in years past. 

Coming out of the Chicago Public League, Williams never had to read coverages or blitzs.  He never had to watch film on the opposition.  He was just told to run the plays that were called and use his athleticism to get the job done.   Now he understands that being a good quarterback involves perfecting his mechanics, studying not only opposing teams, but learning how defenses run and becoming a true leader in every sense of the word.

Always confident, but quite, the coaching staff has taken off the kid gloves they had used in the past and thrown him into the deep end of the pool…sink or swim time.  If Juice progresses in his passing and decision making abilities, his stock will rise dramatically.  He does have all the tools and mechanics to become an NFL quarterback.  His game is similar to Tarvaris Jackson of the Minnesota Vikings.  They are matched by their dual threat ability, similar size, and both are waiting to realize their potential.  Heck, they even wear matching #7’s.

His decision making ability and his inconsistency in his mechanics is an issue, but if he truly buckles down and focuses on getting better, he could jump from a 5th round pick that he is now to a first day selection, possibly even as high as late 2nd round.

Awards and Accolades: