Jontez Williams embracing leadership role in Cyclones’ secondary
Iowa State defensive back Jontez Williams prepares to line up before a play against Iowa Saturday September 7, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
FRISCO, Texas — The junior cornerback is coming off an All-Big 12 campaign, and taking on more responsibility in the secondary as Iowa State inches closer to fall camp.
Jontez Williams has played alongside defensive backs Anthony Johnson Jr., T.J. Tampa and Darren Porter, who were all drafted in each of the past three years. With 14 career starts under his belt, and Myles Purchase, Malik Verdon and Beau Freyler no longer around, Williams feels it’s his time to take over as the general of the secondary.
After all, Williams established himself as an elite defender last season, in which he led the Cyclones in interceptions, and finished fifth on the team in tackles. The Florida native even got off to a hot start, and generated 11 stops in the opener against North Dakota.
Williams eventually became of one the most dangerous corners in the Big 12 after he picked off a pass in four-straight conference games. Although the interception streak was impressive, Williams felt he was just spreading his wings as a ballhawk.
“It was nice for me just because I was able to catch those in a row, and to have that momentum was more of staying locked in, and being prepared for the moment,” Williams said. “Not getting too big, not getting too little, just staying in the moment and working hard everyday in practice.”
Now he’s the veteran of the bunch, with valuable experience, production and leadership. His success on the gridiron is something the younger defensive backs can respect, and look up to. Williams is also enjoying guiding the youngsters in practice. The former three-star prospect understands that he was once in their shoes, and wants them all to establish a great work ethic.
“Just leading the younger guys, getting them prepared for what’s to come and not letting them slack in anything,” he said. “Just preparing those guys for the season, how they can work and showing them the way.”
Iowa State’s defense ranked first in the FBS against the pass in 2024, and that wasn’t by mistake. Williams feels the system Defensive Coordinator Jon Heacock has set in place allows the defensive backs to thrive. Which is why he’s confident the secondary can be a team strength again.
Most importantly, Williams remembers everything he learned from Purchase, as far as film study, formations, and applying that on the field. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder refuses to be complacent, and continues to look for ways to become a lockdown corner.
“I think the mental aspect, not letting my mind go away during the game, or trying to focus on other things before,” he said. “I think the mental aspect is where I’ve grown immensely.”
Williams feels he’s just cracking the surface of his potential, and the best is yet to come. His rare blend of run support and coverage is noteworthy, and will likely have Williams in the conversation for the Jim Thorpe Award later this year. In the meantime, Williams is going to keep grinding everyday in practice, pushing his teammates and holding them accountable for their mistakes.
