2009 Outlook
Offensive guard Keith Williams is expected to return to a starting role in 2009 after emerging as a reliable performer during his sophomore campaign. Williams claimed the starting left guard job during Big 12 play last fall, and he and fellow junior Mike Smith are expected to make the left side of the Nebraska line a strength in 2009.

The 6-5, 315-pound Williams has all the physical tools needed to be a dominant force and is one of three starters and eight lettermen who return to the line this season. Last fall, Williams and his offensive line mates helped Nebraska rank among the top 20 nationally in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense.

2008 (Sophomore)
Williams started the final nine games on a line that continued to improve throughout the year. The line helped NU score at least 30 points 10 times, while topping 400 yards of total offense in nine of 13 games. Nebraska finished 12th nationally in total offense at 450.8 yards per game.

The play of the offensive line fueled a Husker running game that made great strides in the second half of the year. Nebraska averaged better than 210 rushing yards in the final six regular-season games, including a 340-yard effort at Kansas State, NU’s most rushing yards in a Big 12 game in six years. Williams provided protection for quarterback Joe Ganz who set NU season records for passing yards, total offense and completion percentage. Williams also continued as a blocker on the Huskers’ outstanding PAT and field-goal units.

2007 (Redshirt Freshman)
Williams played in 10 games at guard behind starters Mike Huff, Jacob Hickman and Matt Slauson. Williams also saw action as a blocker on PAT and field-goal units. The offensive line was the driving force behind Nebraska finishing in the top 10 nationally in both passing offense and total offense.

2006 (Redshirt)
Williams redshirted and was part of an impressive scout team offensive line.

Before Nebraska (McClure North HS)
Williams was ranked among the top 15 players in Missouri by Rivals.com, while PrepStar placed Williams on its All-Midlands region team. Williams also received offers from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan State and Missouri.

Personal
Keith is the son of Marnetta Jackson and Keith Williams Sr., and was born on April 8, 1988. He is a sociology major, and was named to the 2007 Big 12 Commissioner’s Spring Honor Roll. Williams has volunteered with hospital visits.

On defense, Williams recorded 24 tackles, including one sack and one fumble recovery, and earned first-team Class 5A All-State honors. He helped lead Coach Jim Schottmueller’s squad to back-to-back Missouri Class 5A championship game appearances. As a junior, Williams recorded 51 total tackles, including five tackles for losses and one sack in earning first-team all-conference honors on defense, and first-team all-metro and all-state honors as an offensive lineman.