AMES − As reporters flocked to speak to Jontez Williams after Iowa State football's spring practice on Wednesday, the cornerback comfortably stood tall and smiled, like he's gotten used to it.
Last year, Williams enjoyed a breakout season with the Cyclones. Taking on a much bigger role in the secondary as a redshirt sophomore, he emerged as a standout and earned All-Big 12 second-team honors.
Unsurprisingly, increased fanfare came his way during the season. He is a fierce competitor and a beloved teammate, but he was modest and humble on the post-game microphone and, at times, seemingly shy when speaking to the media.
That humility and big-play ability still remain. But now, as one of the veteran players at the cornerback position, he's finding his voice and embracing a leadership role within the team.
"I feel like I'm a little bit of both (vocal and a leader by example)," Williams said. "Just off of my play and the things I've done. Then, I kind of tell those guys and try to get them another perspective of how to look at things differently, like things outside of football and things in football.
"... I feel even more confident just being back, having that leadership and just being here in this program for a minute. That's given me a lot of confidence."
Last season, he was counted on to step up following the departure of All-American and Baltimore Ravens draftee T.J. Tampa. Now, Williams is expected to take an even bigger role after losing multi-year starters Myles Purchase and Darien Porter to graduation.
After playing alongside those former teammates and observing their leadership styles, Williams is ready to put his flair as one of the players at the forefront of the Cyclones' defense.
"I wouldn't say he's shy," said Iowa State cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat. "When he speaks, people listen. In small settings, within his group, when he feels like he trusts people and when he feels like he has the room to be able to speak and he knows people are going to listen − he's going to speak up. He's done a great job. Now, you'll see him even riling the defense up."
Williams played a key part in helping the Cyclones finish with an FBS-best 165.6 passing yards per game allowed last season. The Iowa State defense also finished in the top 25 nationally for turnover margin at plus-9.
He had four interceptions last season, all of which came in consecutive weeks. Two of those picks were during crucial moments, one to help the Cyclones hang onto a second-half lead before eventually beating Baylor on Oct. 5 and then the game-sealing interception against UCF on Oct. 19. He also tallied 46 total tackles in his first full season as a starter.
