Some quarterbacks earn their scars. Some have them handed to them. Either way, they’re part of the path.
This week’s episode of Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is with a QB who knows that better than most - Demond Williams Jr of the Washington Huskies.
Demond heads into year three at UW with a chance to be one of the most dynamic players in America and in my eyes, is the most challenging quarterback to prepare for in the nation.
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Demond and I sat down at the Elite 11 Finals, where he was pouring into the next generation of quarterbacks as a counselor. It was a full circle moment as Demond was a camper there himself. When he showed up in high school I shared the same note with him as we shared with every QB each summer: the only guarantee is that your path will not go as you envision it.’
That’s the thing about playing QB, the path never goes as planned.
This past off-season tested Demond in a way most people will never experience, but all have an opinion on. For the UW star, what came on the other side of a hectic 48 hours wasn’t bitterness. Rather, it was growth.
He and I talked about leaning on his faith. His family. His support system. About having to go back and rebuild relationships, brick by brick, and how that work shaped the leader he’s become. Not a quieter version of himself. A more outspoken one with an edge.
And the difference shows up in the small moments. Where he used to stay after practice throwing extra routes, now he’s just as likely to be hanging with his teammates. One might say they are building the culture from the inside out. That’s not an accident. That’s a veteran understanding what actually wins football games.
His bond with Jedd Fisch is 4 years deep now. Built on trust. Built on what they call PCP in their offense: play caller purpose. Knowing exactly what’s being asked, then making it happen.
Washington has a loaded schedule this fall. The Apple Cup to open on NBC. A trip to USC. Penn State at home. Indiana at home. Finish in Eugene. Overall, a real chance to make noise in the Big Ten and push toward the Playoff conversation.
And I can’t wait to get there to see it in person week 1 as the season is right around the corner.
Much love and stay steady,
Yogi
