Ole Miss RT Jayden Williams has important duties protecting the blind side

Ole Miss senior offensive tackle Jayden Williams has moved from the all-important left tackle spot – the protector of the blind side for a right-handed quarterback – to the right tackle spot.

Why? There appears to be two reasons. One, current LT Diego Pounds was more comfortable playing left tackle. Two, Jayden, considered the most talented offensive lineman on the team by the coaching staff we are told, will still be protecting the blind side because Ole Miss’ starting QB this year – Austin Simmons – is left-handed and he will have his back to the right side of the line.

It’s a responsibility and assignment Williams takes very seriously but first let’s get some background.

Williams was injured last season after six games – knee.

“I’m healthy now. Completely. I had offseason surgery and rehabbed. It’s great now,” said the 6-4 315-pound senior.

The move to right tackle came in the offseason. It has not been an easy transition, but it’s a challenge Williams is enjoying.

“I like right tackle but it’s unnatural to me right now. It’s like a right-handed basketball player dribbling with his left hand. It takes some time to where it feels natural,” he explained. “Consequently, it has made me focus more and be more technique aware. At left, sometimes I would let my technique lapse because it was so natural to me. Now, I have to stay with my technique and stay tuned in.

“At the same time, I understand the task of protecting Austin’s blind side. I understand how important that is, and take is very seriously.”

Williams and Pounds are flanking – potentially – three sophomores who could easily be the starters when the season rolls around.

Ole Miss sophomore center Brycen Sanders and sophomore guards Delano Townsend and PJ Wilkins. (Junior Patrick Kutas – the transfer from Arkansas – is nicked up right now. When he gets healthy, he will push hard for a guard slot.)

“Last year, we had mostly older guys. This year, we have a lot of youth in the OL room and I’m enjoying that,” said Jayden. “They are fun to be around and so excited about what’s happening.”

Specifically, he likes the direction the OL is going.

“So far, we have been very consistent, which is probably the most important trait of an OL unit,” he explained. “The guys work hard, they carry out their assignments consistently and they learn quickly. I like this OL.”

Jayden goes against Suntarine Perkins, Da’Shaun Womack and Kam Franklin – mostly – in practices. So how do they rate?

“I have to be on my toes every snap and can’t stop until the whistle blows because they are not going to stop. They come after you hard every play – no rest and no breaks,” he smiled. “DeeJay Holmes, Princewell (Umanmielen) – they are all the same – relentless.”

Jayden Williams has one of the most important jobs on the entire team – protecting Austin Simmons.

It says here he’s up for the challenge.