Dover, Del. (Apr. 5, 2012) --- When Delaware State's Nick Williams rushed for a team high 48 yards as a true freshman before a crowd of 106,000 at Michigan in 2009, he appeared on track to become a star runner for the Hornets. A week later, Williams suffered a severe ankle injury that required surgery to repair. Despite returning to team for the start of the 2010 season, his future as a productive running back for DSU was less certain.

Williams had just 18 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown and 11 receptions for 72 yards and a score as a reserve in 2010.

The San Diego, Cal., native was fourth on the running back depth chart to start the 2011 season. He had just three carries for seven yards in the first few games. With the Hornets in the midst of a losing streak and experiencing a rash of injuries in the secondary, Williams decided on a change of course.

"Nick approached the coaching staff and asked if he could move to cornerback last season," said Delaware State defensive coordinator Mike Ketchum. "I knew he played cornerback in high school a few years earlier and we were pretty desperate, so we decided to make the move."

Despite being thrown into action with little practice time at cornerback, Williams made quite an impression on the coaches.

He finished the 2011 season with 26 total tackles (16 solo), a pass break up and a deflection. In addition, he had four kickoff returns for 95 yards (23.8 ypr), including a 41-yarder at Hampton.

"Nick is a good athlete with the instincts and confidence to play in the secondary," Ketchum said of the 2012 senior. "He more than held his own last year and we are expecting big things from him this season. This year's spring camp is critical in his continued development at the cornerback position."         

With his running back days now behind him, Williams has his sights set on helping the Hornets improve on their 3-8 record in 2011 from the secondary this coming season.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing the entire season at cornerback," he said. "I just want to be on the field to help the team at whatever position the coaches use me."

While his experience at cornerback is short, Williams has the confidence of a veteran as he looks forward the upcoming season.

"I want to be the guy who covers the other team's best receiver," he said. "My goal is to help the team win and make all-conference this year."

The Delaware State football team will continue spring drills with a 7:30 p.m. practice on Thursday at Alumni Stadium. The Hornets will wrap up spring camp with the Red/White scrimmage on April 14 at 4:00 p.m.

DSU will open the 2012 season at home against VMI on Sep. 1. Game time is 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.