Williams and Coleman Share Outlook on Washington Offense

As the 2025 Husky football season moves through the Winter months, we sat down with Demond Williams Jr. and Jonah Coleman to discuss their outlook on the Washington offense and all that’s transpired since the bowl game. Both players shared excitement for Spring practice with an established coaching staff and over 100 players available to practice. Williams talked about how his relationship with Will Rogers shaped his preparation to be the team’s new leader. Coleman is ready to experience a full offseason on Montlake behind a sturdy offensive line.

Rogers’ Impression on Williams

It’s been well-documented that Rogers and Williams had an excellent relationship throughout all of the 2024 season. Jedd Fisch repeatedly praised his veteran quarterback for his leadership and willingness to help prepare Williams for the eventual handoff of duties under center. He not only led by example, but Rogers was active in teaching Williams the ins and outs of being a starting quarterback in a Power Conference. 

Williams said the way Rogers shared all the knowledge he had with him was crucial in his quick development as a freshman. Rogers would explain different reads and help him recognize coverages in preparation for every game. Towards the end of the season, Williams began to earn more playing time and eventually won the starting job for the Oregon and Louisville games.

“I was able to watch him and see that he never got complacent, that’s something I really admire about him.” Rogers was always the first guy celebrating with the offense and with Williams despite the shift in the depth chart. “Will’s my guy,” Williams said. “I’ll always be rooting for him.”

The Face of Washington Football

Williams played in all 13 games as a true freshman. Heading into his second season of college football, he is now the face of the program. “It means a lot to me,” Williams said on Monday, “Being able to help other players and help teach players [is something] that I didn’t really have coming here because everybody was new to the system.” Williams is now in a position like Rogers was a year ago, where he can help develop the quarterback room. He views his experience as a great opportunity as a quarterback and as a leader.

In addition to the guidance from Rogers, Williams detailed how he prepared for every game last year with the mentality that he’d be given an opportunity. “I felt like I prepared well every week,” Williams said.  “Whatever would have happened, I was ready.” It started with around a dozen snaps per game until the road trip at Iowa, where Williams took 29 snaps. That continued to build with 32 snaps at Penn State. A week later, he took over the UCLA game at a critical time, leading a victory. That earned him starts in the final two games of the year at Oregon and against Louisville. “I felt like that came to fruition there at the end of the season,” he concluded.

Washington’s Run Game

The Washington offense will have a two-dimensional run game next season, and we saw a preview of that on several occasions in 2024. The dual-threat capabilities of Williams at quarterback mixed with the power and speed the Huskies have at running back make for an intriguing run game.

“They’re super-elite,” Williams said of Coleman and Adam Mohammed. “I feel like they’re going to have a great year.” Coleman set individual career highs in rushing yards (1,053), touchdowns (10), and carries (193) last season. Mohammed had 193 yards on 42 attempts for nearly five yards per carry. Like Williams, Mohammed appeared in every game as a true freshman. “I always say I feel like a good running game also helps the quarterback, so I’m here for it,” Williams added.

Jonah Coleman’s Return to Washington

Coleman’s decision to return to Washington for his senior year was made for many reasons, but one in particular. “Graduating,” he said. “I want to be the first in my family to get a college degree,” Coleman said he spoke with his father about that, and earning a degree was an opportunity that he wanted to take advantage of.

In addition to that, Coleman is also excited about a full offseason with an established coaching staff and offensive line. “I didn’t have a full offseason to get my body fully right,” he said of last season’s preparation. Coleman finished the season with career numbers despite that, and believes he can top it in 2025. “I’ve got a lot left in the tank.” 

Another aspect leading to his decision to play another season in the Washington offense was because of the standard that’s in place. “Being able to come back with a foundation that’s been set,” Coleman said. “We know the standard.” The continuity of the coaching staff and players from last year to this year is very much worth recognizing compared to the situation at this time last year. Coleman views that as a major positive. “Last year, Coach Fisch was just getting here. He’s here now. The coaches are here now, everything’s set.” Continuity from year to year is worth a lot, and Coleman recognizes how that puts the Huskies in a much better position.

Coleman’s Perspective on the Offensive Line

One of the most scrutinized positions on the team last year was the offensive line. At times last Spring, it had as few as seven available players. “Our starting offensive line didn’t come until Fall camp,” Coleman recalled. “That was the first time I had been in front of my offensive line.” As we stand here in early February, the Washington offense is slated to have 18 available offensive linemen for the start of Spring practice. “Having this right now is huge. It’s going to be a huge part of our success.” 

The development that takes place over the Winter months and through Spring practice is vital to the run game, and Coleman shared his perspective on that. He referenced new additions to the room including Carver Willis and Geirean Hatchett. Coleman also stated how important it is to have veterans like Drew Azzopardi and Max McCree back at tackle this season. “It’s hard to play together as an O-Line when you meet in Fall,” Coleman added. When you consider Coleman’s career highs on the ground last season, the additional development time for the offensive line can go a long way to help the run game.