Aneyas Williams played a key part in Notre Dame reaching the National Title game a year ago.
Entering the 2025 campaign, the sophomore running back had high expectations to build on his 213 snaps from his freshman year.
That hasn’t happened as Ja’Juan Seider has opted to roll with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price sharing the bulk of the carries.
Williams will be the first to admit this season hasn’t been easy, but he also is quick to point out the culture at Notre Dame has helped him fight his frustrations.
“It’s hard, but at a place like this, I will say it’s been easy just because the guys I’m surrounded with day to day allow you to enjoy being here,” explained Williams. “I think that would be the biggest part if you’re a guy that’s not playing much, but your role is limited, being surrounded by a bunch of people you don’t enjoy being around probably isn’t very pleasant. But having the opportunity to get up and practice with these guys every day makes it a lot easier to stick around.
“And just understanding this running back room and how special it is, it’s kind of hard to be negative on yourself. I’ve got two first-rounders in front of me, so you’ve got to see the big picture.”
The Missouri native has also grown. Oftentimes, football teaches life lessons, and Williams has embraced personal growth.
“Mindset,” stated Williams. “That’s the biggest thing. Understanding this game, where a bad practice doesn’t mean a bad week. That’s where I was for a while and it made it hard to be happy, it made it hard to stay positive and even probably led to some selfish tendencies, just wanting to see others not do as well as they could. But knowing I overcame that is a better feeling to be honest with you and it’s made being here a lot more enjoyable.”
When Williams has been given carries, it’s safe to say he’s made the most of them. On the year, Williams has 14 carries for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, that’s an average of 10.1 yards per tote.
Williams admits he runs with a chip on his shoulder as he hopes to show what people have missed.
“I talked to my mom, I fall back on God just knowing that everything is going to be alright in the end,” Williams said. “Those opportunities that I do get to showcase what might have been forgotten, it brings a little bit of a smile to my face.”
Seider and Williams haven’t had conversations about where he stands on the depth chart to this point, which may signal the teammate that the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder is more than anything.
“We haven’t really had very many conversations because it’s hard to have those considering the success of others.” Williams said. “I don’t want to put any stress on him or any stress on me. Just letting it all play out. I don’t want to say anything I shouldn’t, just let my play do the talking and leave a good mark for the future.”
Special teams is also another area of the game that Williams has embraced. Jadarian Price is up for top kick returner of the year and Williams has played a crucial role on kickoff return.
“Whenever I get on the field, it’s an opportunity that millions of other people don’t have, so I’ll take any ounce of playing time and just be grateful to be able to play this sport,” Williams explained. “I look behind me and I see JD, my fellow running back, why wouldn’t I block for him? I want to see him do well just as much as he wants to see me succeed.
“Other teams have been fortunate enough to not kick to me yet. We’ll find out. But just being appreciative of everything this year has allowed me to grow and I think it’s going to benefit me in the future.”
Entering the season, Williams was also slowed by an elbow injury. He’s played through it, but only rest will allow it to fully heal.
“It’s an everyday battle to be honest with you, even now,” stated Williams. “It feels good. It’s been feeling fine for a really long time. I think it was week 2 of camp when it happened. It’s a long recovery. It really goes on my time, with not a lot of downtime, it’s hard. I’m definitely in a spot where I feel safe playing. That probably took a little bit, like week 4.”
Notre Dame appears to be the place Williams wants to be through conversations with folks around him.
“I had that discussion and this is where I want to be,” said Williams. “I’m in a great position. I get to see my guys ball, that’s been a big thing. Being able to see their success is an eye-opener. Success is right there in front of me.
“I just have to be patient. I have a long career ahead and there’s no rush. Being okay with where my feet are. That’s that.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 46″ Nutcracker Leaner
