Jonas Williams is young for his grade. He was 14 years when he started on varsity as a freshman in high school. The USC quarterback had to grow up fast as his team looked to him to be a leader.
So when Williams enrolled at Southern Cal as one of the youngest players on the Trojans roster, having just turned 18 years old over the summer, it wasn't unfamiliar territory.
Sep 30, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Chet Strange-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
"Jonas came in ready to work just right off the bat," said receiver Corey Simms. "He's always willing to learn. He's coming along fast. He's picking up everything fast, and I feel like I can trust him."
Offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Luke Huard applauded him in the winter and spring for being a leader in his recruiting class and having a mature approach in how he handles his business on and off the field.
Last summer, Williams organized throwing sessions with tight freshman tight end Mark Bowman and receiver Tron Baker. The Lincoln Way-East (Ill.) product made a trip to Los Angeles just to recruit freshman receiver Boobie Feaster. It started with his class and has expanded to the rest of the team.
Offensive tackle Elijah Vaikona was impressed by his command of the huddle in the spring, and it has been more of the same from Williams in fall camp.
"Really comfortable in the offense," said receiver Zacharyus Williams. "That's why I've seen him as a leader, even though he's young, really seen him step up. He's vocal and taking charge in the offense."
USC Trojans freshman quarterback Jonas Williams | USC Trojans on SI
USC coach Lincoln Riley has a stellar resume when it comes to evaluating the quarterback position. It's why his process when it comes to evaluating high school signal-callers is so assiduous.
But it's not just about arm strength, arm talent, athleticism and size, although those qualities are important and Riley does value them. The quarterback position is so much more than pure talent. The intangibles are just as important. It's what has separated quarterbacks for decades and more so than ever in this era of football.
"He's pretty mature, and his ability to communicate and operate for his age right now is definitely on the higher end of the true freshman that I can remember bringing in throughout the years. He's been really impressive," Riley said.
Aug 26, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the San Jose State Spartans during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Williams is battling sixth-year senior Sam Huard to be the No. 2 quarterback behind returning starter Jayden Maiava and as of the Trojans Mock Game week, it's still an ongoing battle.
"We've really split Sam Huard and Jonas Williams' reps down the middle," Riley said. We typically have made a decision by this point, on kind of how one, two, and three will lay out in that room, but we're not quite at that point yet. Both those guys have done a good job. I think they both elevated their play a lot. That's going to be a difficult decision."
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/usc as USC Quarterback Jonas Williams Growing in Key Areas Heading into Freshman Season .
