Veteran Guard Sheds Light on Pitt OL Teammates

In 2023, BJ Williams became the first true freshman to start on the Pitt Panthers offensive line in a decade, dating back to Dorian Johnson in 2013.

After starting six games as a rookie that year, Williams returned to start all 13 games as a true sophomore in 2024. Although he's still a sophomore, the native of Fairburn, Georgia, is considered a veteran player in Pittsburgh.

Following Thursday's spring practice, Williams addressed the media in a press conference available on YouTube.

During his media segment, he spoke about several of his linemates, starting with the tackle he works in tandem with on the right side.

“During winter workouts, I was working with [Ryan Baer] because we're in the same group," Williams said. "We were just getting stronger, faster. I mean, I just love working with that guy. That's my right tackle, you know?

"He's been taking it in too because we talked about not having that same finish like we did last year. Just got to get better.”

Along with left tackle Jeffrey Persi, Williams has been getting familiar with additional incoming transfers along the offensive line.

"For sure, the transfers like Kendall [Stanley], Keith [Gouveia], they fit right in with the program," Williams said. "It's just like they've already been here. So, I just love playing with them guys, watching them learn, grow."

As a fellow guard, Williams has learned some things through newcomer Gouveia, and the two have meshed well.

"One thing I saw with (Gouveia) was with his third step, with the combinations with the tackles, I talked with him about that a lot because it's a quick step, just helps him get up to the linebacker," Williams said. "So, I just chatted with him about that, and we just hang out together. You know, always eating food with him."