Howard University students are getting back into the football spirit as their football team returns to the field. The feel of cold weather and the sights of early nightfall mean that football is officially back to being the main topic of conversation for many. After a disappointing 3-8 season last year, the Bison football team was hoping to bounce back in 2022 with higher expectations.
However, a 1-3 start to the 2022 season has slightly set the Bison back. They have suffered tough losses against the Alabama State Hornets, the Hampton University Pirates and the South Florida Bulls. The Bison are currently fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Despite these losses, Howard senior quarterback Quinton Williams has been performing well for the team. He has thrown for 946 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Williams leads the MEAC in passing yards, touchdowns and quarterback efficiency. There can be an argument that Williams only leads those categories because Howard has played at least one more game than anyone in their conference, however, even before Howard’s latest matchup, Williams’ production still outmatched opposing MEAC quarterbacks. The star quarterback spoke about accomplishing these feats before his recent game against Morehouse.
“It feels good to be leading in those categories,” Williams said. “Honestly, big credit to my teammates for making plays for me, making my job a lot easier.”
This type of production is nothing new for the third-year signal caller. Last season, Williams earned a MEAC All-Conference Third Team selection for his performance. He recorded 2,353 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while rushing for 94 yards and four rushing touchdowns. It is safe to say that there has been no drop-off in effort and execution since last season. Despite this, Williams still keeps himself grounded and says there is room for improvement.
“Personally, I take it upon myself to make sure our guys stay up in morale, along with continuing to put my head down and just work,” Williams said. “[There are] some things I have to work on as well so that we can have success this season.”
Williams’ performance has been a glimpse of hope during this underwhelming start for Howard. His numbers give him confidence that the Bison are just as good as their competitors.
“I would say just from a production standpoint we are right in the mix,” Williams continued.
“As a team we just have to stay the course and keep chipping away in practice. Just taking it one day at a time, understanding the ups and downs that come within the season and knowing we can turn it around.”
Copy edited by Jadyn Barnett
