Nebraska Football: Shockwaves Sent Out From Donté Williams Hire
It’s officially official. Donté Williams is now a member of the Nebraska football staff. Fans in Lincoln, Neb. couldn’t be happier and those in Tuscon, Ariz. well…not so much.
The speculation about Williams’ role in the Nebraska football staff was answered by head coach Mike Riley at a press conference regarding the 34-year-old coach’s hire.
He’ll be charged with instructing the Blackshirt cornerbacks and sub-package specialists (nickel and dime backs). He’ll also have some involvement in pass defense coordination. Brian Stewart, who focused his energy working with cornerbacks for the 2016 season, will work with the safeties taking over for defensive coordinator Mark Banker.
Banker will return to overseeing the Blackshirts as a whole after helping aid in the safeties’ education this past season.
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Proving there’s no time to waste in both recruiting and getting him involved in the program, Williams will begin his work preparing Nebraska for the Music City Bowl matchup against Tennessee.
“I am truly blessed that Coach Riley thought highly enough of me to join his staff here at the University of Nebraska,” Williams said at his introductory press conference. “Everything I have seen in Lincoln has completely raised my expectations of what I know we can accomplish here! I look forward to continuing the success of the Blackshirt defense under Coach Riley and the whole Big Red Family!”
That moment when 14k #Huskers fans try to simultaneously follow you on Twitter! #GBR pic.twitter.com/PY9oCRYReG
— Ryan Gunderson (aka Gundy) (@itsGundy) December 5, 2016
Williams signed a two-year contract worth $400,000 for the 2017 Nebraska football season which then increases to $425,000 as of Feb. 1, 2018.
Following his departure from Arizona, some very coveted recruiting prospects became very real possibilities to join the 2017 Nebraska class.
Six members of the media that participate in 247Sports’ Crystal Ball program which projects the destination of recruits now have athlete Greg Johnson headed to Lincoln.
Five-star wide receiver Joesph Lewis, who already has a fantastic relationship with Nebraska wide receivers coach Keith Williams, also has six new projections to the Cornhusker State.
Next: Husker Nation’s Thoughts On Year Two of Riley Era
Current Florida commitment Elijah Blades has been predicted as a potential flip to the Big Red by 247Sports National Recruiting Insider Ryan Bartow.
The shockwaves have hit Los Angeles Hawkins High School where Johnson and Lewis are teammates. Head coach Mil’Von James said of Nebraska’s new coach, “Donté Williams brings a great energy and go-get-’em attitude in recruiting.”