Keith Williams believes Husker football is a “special place right now” for recruits who can create a legacy

Nebraska’s Keith Williams sees the current recruits as an opportunity similar to what he experienced as a Husker.

Williams, now Nebraska’s assistant director of player personnel, was part of Bill Callahan’s 2006 recruiting class, but played a big role in the early success of the Bo Pelini era, appearing in 50 games and earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. senior in 2010.

“When I came here, it was kind of a transition from Callahan to Pelin and being able to go to a place where you have a chance to create a whole legacy,” Williams told Husker247 last week. “As a recruiter, you can come in and make your legacy in Nebraska. Be a part of this change. I was part of that change. We’re going to the Big 12 championship and we’re going to be able to create those memories in Nebraska history. The kids now have a chance to start over, join Coach Rhule and create their own legacy at Nebraska.

“Almost all members of our coaching staff have NFL ties. Our AD lived as a lane player. I think it’s a special place right now. Coach Rhule has done a great job of giving the boys a chance to showcase their talents.

Williams, a St. Louis native, is now working with Nebraska assistant Rob Dvoracek to lure talent from Kansas and Missouri — two states loaded with talent, but Nebraska’s results have been mixed in recent recruiting classes.

Williams returned to Nebraska in May 2022 after coaching Bethel University in Tennessee and Missouri Baptist. He said his connections in St. Louis made him a natural fit to help Nebraska’s efforts in the city. Nebraska coaches have regularly attended Lindenwood University’s Mega Camp, but there is an opportunity to do more in St. Louis because of the mentality of the players there, Williams said.

“It’s so unique,” Williams said of St. Louis. “There’s guys who are underdogs, great developmental guys. The best thing about those guys — they fit into the culture of the Midwest. It’s not a culture shock for them to come to Nebraska. It would fit perfectly with what they’re used to. It’s really big. It’s easy for families to come and watch. them.I think it goes perfectly with everything.

“I think St. Louis is very competitive. You go to that Lindenwood camp, there are so many men. It’s a hotbed of talent. Everyone comes there to recruit, and that’s what we’re going to do. I think it’s great to have someone out there to keep in touch with the men in the area. It is good to go to this area to compete. I have my background and the guys on staff who are serious recruiters. It helps us.”

Nebraska added St. Louis native Marcus Washington from the transfer portal last year. Before that, the last scholarship player to sign with Nebraska out of high school was Tre Bryant in 2016.

Former Husker wide receiver Chris Brooks is the offensive coordinator at Lutheran High School in St. Charles, Missouri, and talks regularly with Williams. Brooks said having those connections in St. Louis is important, where the coaching community is close-knit.

“At the high school level, you have to have those relationships at the high school level, and Nebraska is really fortunate to have Keith,” Brooks said. “I really mean it. Nebraska is lucky to have Keith. He wasn’t a big flashy wide receiver. He was a big lineman, but when he walked into the gym, everyone was looking at Keith. His dad is very, very well known in the community. Those relationships and the camaraderie – that’s what it really is.”

Williams was able to hit the road several times over the past year to recruit and step in for offensive coordinator Mark Whipple when health issues kept him in Lincoln. Williams was also at the schools in December as Rhule added to his staff.

Williams said she is proud to walk into schools with a red “N” on her chest. He sees Nebraska’s opportunity in Kansas and Missouri because of their proximity to Lincoln. Williams said sending coaches to clinics in the states and regular high school activities are important to more consistent success in the region.

“Rob (Dvoracek) went to schools that haven’t been touched in a while,” Williams said. “Ed Foley hit schools. I went out there and hit some schools in that area. Now it’s time to be consistent with that and build relationships. We want that relationship so strong that the first word that comes to their mind is Nebraska. I think we’re on the right track.”