Xavior Williams
Defensive Back / Northern Iowa

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Xavior Williams:  5’11 and 195 pounds.  I am trying to get up to 200 pounds.  I don’t have an official 40 time.    

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Xavior Williams:  Coaches give us the workouts and what we have to do.  I am lucky to have a great strength and conditioning coach.  I also go to a local field to work on my footwork and run.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Xavior Williams:  I went to a small Catholic high school.  I played baseball, basketball, and ran track.  Track was probably my second sport.  I was successful in that sport other than football.  I ran 100 and 200 meters.  I also did the high jump, long jump and relays.  I was also a part of the Drake Relays.  I won the high jump and a few of the relays in 4×100. 

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Xavior Williams:  On defense, I played everywhere.  But I was mainly a DB.  My main focus was on receiver.  That was my position.  In the last five games of my senior year, I moved to QB.  

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Xavior Williams:  I went to Notre Dame high school in Iowa.  There were 30 people that graduated in my senior class.  They actually combined football and track with another high school that was right across the street because we didn’t have enough people.  I was mainly talking to Iowa, Iowa State, NDSU and Illinois State.      

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Northern Iowa?

Xavior Williams:  The trusted the coaches that were here.  I believed in them.  It was not far from home.  It was about two hours from my house.  I knew that Northern Iowa sent people to the next level.  They recruited me as an athlete, but moved me to DB right away.      

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career? 

Xavior Williams:  I have had a great head coach in Mike Farley.  Coach Jeff Burris believed in me and gave me a shot as a freshman.  It took off from there.  I was doing my job and working hard to be the best that I can be.  We have been to the playoffs, but no national championship.  It is the main goal.  We need to push ourselves to get there. 

Alex Khvatov:  Northern Iowa put together an awesome defensive performance in the FCS quarterfinal matchup against James Madison last year.  Tell us about that game.    

Xavior Williams:  It was our best defensive game of the season.  We allowed a TD when our offense fumbled it close to the goal-line.  We couldn’t coach it any better. 

Alex Khvatov:  Do you see yourself as a corner or a safety at the next level?

Xavior Williams:  I feel more comfortable at safety.  But I will play wherever the team needs me.  I will do whatever to help the team win.  I played corner the first two years.  During spring ball last year, I said that I wanted to try playing at safety.   When the season came around, I didn’t go back to corner.  We had a talented freshman CB Omar Brown who had a great year.  I had a smooth transition.  I enjoy playing safety.  I knew that I could be a good safety.  I wanted to give it a try.  I want to play safety at the next level.  My versatility will serve me well at the next level.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Xavior Williams:  Athleticism and knowledge of the game.  I have quick feet and I am able to study the game.  I know what’s going on.  I wake up early and watch film with my coach.  I always want to be a step ahead of the opponent.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Xavior Williams:  Everything.  I need to have better technique.  Tackling was the weakest part of my game before I moved to safety.  I became a better tackler there.  I also need to keep my hips down.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Xavior Williams:  Individually, there was a game against Iowa State last year.  I had a few pass breakups and I scored a TD on a fumble return.

Alex Khvatov:  You always seem to have a knack for making the big play.  How are you able to be one step ahead of the opponent?    

Xavior Williams:  Instincts.  I see the ball and I want to make the play.  I am a playmaker.  I played a lot of receiver in high school.  I have good hands.  I have a sense for the ball.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Xavior Williams:  Being accountable.  We all keep each other accountable on this team.  We work hard.  When someone is not working, we get on that guy.  Players have to trust each other.  We know that everyone will do their job.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Xavior Williams:  I always liked watching the Patriots and Tom Brady.  Even though he has moved on, I will keep rooting for them.     

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Xavior Williams:  Tom Brady.  I also like the Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu) at DB. 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

Xavior Williams:  I check out the formation and break down what I know from film study.  I know what they will do in a certain formation and alignment.  I know what routes they will run because I watch so much film.  I pick up on tendencies.  I have the knowledge of the game.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Xavior Williams:  Elerson Smith, Isaiah Weston, Omar Brown and Bryce Flater.      

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Xavior Williams:  Back during my freshman year when we played against SDSU and they had Goedert and Wieneke.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DB?

Xavior Williams:  Being able to let the play go.  Forget about the play.  Stuff happens.  You can’t let one play affect you, and you need to come back stronger on the next play.      

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Xavior Williams:  The brotherhood between teammates.  Some of my best friends are on the team.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Xavior Williams:  Someone who leads by example.  Holding everyone accountable and making sure that everyone does their job on and off the field.    

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Northern Iowa this upcoming season? 

Xavior Williams:  Expect us to make it to the National Championship this year.  It is the best team that I have been a part of.  We have a great defense.  Everyone knows Northern Iowa because of their defense through the years.  It is an honor knowing that teams think that way too.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Xavior Williams:  I am working at a golf course.  I enjoy playing golf.  I have a daughter.  I enjoy being with her.  I also play some video games.

Alex Khvatov:  How has fatherhood changed you?

Xavior Williams:  It made me a better person.  I need to take care of someone else now.  She is one years old and her name is Miley.    

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Xavior Williams:  I am an easy-going guy.  I can talk to anyone.  I am friendly and I enjoy being around people.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Xavior Williams:  I am leaning towards going into coaching at the college level.  My major is in exercise science and sports psychology.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Xavior Williams:  Leader, accountable, athletic, enjoyable and fun.