QB DJ Williams returned to SIU so he could “play for the best coach in America”

CARBONDALE, Ill. — SIU senior quarterback DJ Williams flashed high-level ability in three games last year versus BYU, Austin Peay and Incarnate Word, with eight touchdowns and more than 800 total yards.

Then he broke a bone in his throwing hand in Game 3 that ended his season. During the offseason, Williams received substantial offers to play at the FBS level, but he was determined to return to Southern to play for Nick Hill and finish the job he started in 2024.

Make no mistake, Williams is an elite talent and the centerpiece of Southern’s offense heading into 2025.

StrongDawgs: With offers on the table from other schools, what was the deciding factor that made you come back to SIU?

DJ Williams: To be honest, it was just about my relationship with Coach Hill. When I was at the lowest of my career, when nobody saw my talents, Coach Hill and the staff took a big chance on me, coming from Murray State. I was a quarterback coming off of a two-win season when I entered the portal, didn't know what was going to be in store for me.

I had coaches hitting me up before the year, but after a 2-9 season, every one of those coaches fell off me. Once I got into this situation and got to Southern Illinois, I just can't explain the joy I had playing for Coach Hill. It was something that I needed. Somebody that I really admire to have in my corner.

The things we talk about as a family, as a coach, coach-to-player relationship. He's like an extended version of my father. He's always been there for me since I got here. The trust I have him, the plans we have for my career. We both have the same goals. There's nothing better than having a coach that actually just believes full-heartedly in you. I didn't feel like any coach in America felt the same way about me as Coach Hill felt about me.

SD: Money didn’t factor into your decision?

DJ: It was never about the money. I had a lot of money tossed at me (from other schools), if we're gonna be honest, but it was never about the money. It's always been about the relationships I've built.

I couldn't leave my team hanging. I felt like I left them hanging last year. That played a big part and I couldn't just leave with that taste in my mouth. But the real thing was just a relationship that me and Coach Hill have, and the trust that he has in me and the trust that I have in him to take my career to the next level.

SD: You’ve lost two seasons to injuries so far in your college career. How has that affected you mentally?

DJ: I feel like God put me in a great position. He's blessed me in so many different ways. Injuries that I've had have set me back, but it doesn't compare to the joy that's coming. And that's basically Romans 8:18, the pain I went through doesn't compare to the joy that's coming. I honestly just feel like God has set me back certain ways in certain years, just so I can fully establish myself in this college football scene. I don't feel any pressure, because I know everything that I do is through the Lord, and I know that everything is going to happen for a reason.

SD: Explain the dynamic you have working with Coach Hill and the rest of the offensive staff.

DJ: He's a player’s coach, and that's what you want as a quarterback. You want to be able to be in tune with the play caller. And, you have to have full faith in them, and them having full faith in you. He understands that I know the game, that I've been around it for a minute. I know what I like, I know what he likes. So us just putting those things together has been a good mixture.

I feel like when we get every mind in that quarterback room together, we can do something special. We watch a lot of film of different players, different teams and what they do well. Ryan (McVicker) doesn't leave the office. Mike Lindauer has been great on the offensive side, bringing some youth to the table and keeping Coach Hill young. And Coach Hill just bringing some nuances to the offense, things that we can add that fit my skill set and the skill sets that we have around us, so we can be the most explosive offense in the nation.

SD: Do you get a sense that Coach Hill is excited about getting back to his roots as offensive coordinator?

DJ: Yeah, I feel like he's been amped up a little bit. He's really just all-go, nonstop, just happy. You see the joy in his face from being back calling plays. It’s something that he loves to do. And you can tell that it actually brings him closer to the game. He doesn't just tell coaches what to do, he gets their input. He's in the install meetings every day, going over things, checking boxes, making sure it’s a very thorough process.

SD: Coach has said you have the potential to be the best player in the FCS this season. How does that make you feel? Any added pressure?

DJ: I put the work in day-in and day-out to make sure that my dreams come true. I have big dreams. Those things that have been said about me, the Payton Award, the best quarterback in the FCS — I have all those things written down in my room. I want to be the best player in the country. Every time I step on the field, I want to make sure that people know who DJ Williams is. I play for the best coach in America. I play with the best teammates in America, and that's really what I just want to prove, day-in and day-out.

I just have to go out there and prove it. I have teammates around me that I don't have to be Superman, I just got to go out there and play my game, get those guys the ball, and just show the talents that I have. I think I'm the best player in the country, regardless, so there's no pressure on me. I'm just going out there and prove myself right.