In Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center Tuesday, he gave high praise to Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr.
With Williams’ quick first step, and elite acceleration, Patricia compared the sophomore gunslinger to the Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray — a former Heisman trophy winner and a Pro Bowl NFL quarterback.
Patricia acknowledged that facing Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro — a formidable dual threat — was an important test for the Buckeyes before their trip to Seattle to meet Washington, adding that Ohio State must sharpen its play to be ready for the Murray-like quarterback Williams.
“It certainly helped to be able to see that style of play,” Patricia said. “But getting to Washington, he’s almost like Kyler Murray. He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s quick. He gets out of the pocket and he’s got a really strong live arm, this thing can go down field. They’ve got good players to get the ball to, so that’s gonna be a huge challenge for us.”
He continued and said Williams has an ability to escape tackles and a crowded pocket much like Murray, with a quick first step that creates problems for defensive linemen.
“You watch the tape, you think you’ve kind of got him bottled up and he can get out,” Patricia said. “That reminds me a lot, like I said of Kyler Murray who just is so fast to that first step speed like you can go to your top speed in one step.
“That makes it very difficult for defensive players, especially guys in the front. A lot of times they’re bigger, longer, slower, you’re trying to rush or you’re trying to play the run game because you can obviously run with the ball a certain way. You think you have them leveraged and then all sudden he sidesteps it and then he’s out the gate. So getting a look at that last week was good for us live in game, those reps will be valuable and then it’s got to really be next level as we go forward to Washington.”
Through two games Williams has completed 34 of 49 passes for 480 yards and two passing touchdowns, while rushing 21 times for 132 yards and a score. He is also averaging 6.3 yards per carry, a testament to the rushing versatility Patricia praised.
Ohio State takes on Washington Sept. 27 at Husky Stadium at 3:30 Eastern time.
