Jonathan Williams Ready to Make an Impact for ECU Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina's offense has been searching for a game-changer, and freshman wide receiver Jonathan Williams is eager to prove he can be that player. The former Havelock High School standout enrolled early this spring, bringing versatility, speed, and an impressive high school résumé to the Pirates’ receiving corps.
Williams, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound athlete, originally committed to East Carolina switched up to James Madison before flipping back to ECU. The decision, he says, came down to the relationships he built with the coaching staff and the opportunity to play closer to home.
“Coach Rob [wide receivers coach Dyrell Roberts] really stuck with me even when I committed to JMU,” Williams said. “He kept pushing for me, kept showing me that ECU had a plan for me. Right before signing, I got on a call with Coach [Blake] Harrell, Coach [John David] Baker, and Coach Rob, and they made it clear how much they wanted me here. That really stuck with me.”
A Swiss Army Knife in High School
Williams’ high school production speaks for itself. In three years at Havelock, he played quarterback, wide receiver, and running back, displaying a rare level of versatility. His numbers were staggering:
Quarterback: 86-144 passing, 1,021 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs
Rushing: 182 carries, 1,847 yards (10.1 yards per carry), 27 TDs
Wide Receiver: 125 receptions, 2,671 yards (21.4 yards per catch), 25 TDs
Senior Year: 83 receptions, 1,825 yards, 16 TDs
Now, Williams is focused on carving out his role in ECU’s offense, a system he believes is a perfect fit for his skill set.
“I’m in the slot right now, and I feel like it’s exactly where I need to be,” he said. “The scheme that Coach JDB (offensive coordinator John David Baker) has in place is great for me. We’ve got a lot of choice routes, and the way we run our offense, it’s hard to lose in those situations.”
Adjusting to the Next Level
The transition from high school to college football is never easy, but Williams has embraced the challenge. The speed of the game, the competition level, and the demands of a Division I program have all been an adjustment, but he has wasted no time getting acclimated.
“Everything’s been smooth so far,” he said. “Coming in early, you’ve got to get comfortable, get situated, and learn the playbook. We’ve been rolling, lifting, and gaining weight—I’ve put on about 20 pounds since being here.”
That strength has translated in the weight room, where Williams recently hit a personal best with a 300-pound bench press. He credits his high school program for preparing him for the jump.
“Havelock set me up perfectly,” he said. “The weight program there had me ready to step into ECU and compete from day one.”
Building Chemistry
One of the biggest keys to success for any receiver is the chemistry with his quarterbacks, and Williams has been intentional about building those relationships early. Rooming with freshman quarterback Chastin Ditta has helped that process, and he’s also developed a strong connection with Katin Houser.
“Chaston is my roommate, so we’ve got a great bond,” Williams said. “And Katin Houser is a great leader—he makes sure everyone feels comfortable and welcomed.”
That quarterback-wide receiver chemistry will be critical as ECU looks to revamp an offense that hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard receiver since 2022. Despite the program’s strong tradition of sending wideouts to the NFL, the Pirates have struggled to develop a true go-to playmaker in recent seasons. Williams believes this year’s offense can change that narrative.
“This offense is going to be different this year,” he said. “We’ve got so much speed, and everybody knows how fast we like to play. The execution this year is going to take it to another level.”
The Impact of ECU’s Coaching Staff
Williams has high praise for the coaching staff, especially head coach Blake Harrell, who took over on an interim basis last season before earning the full-time role. The structure and discipline Harrell has instilled in the program, Williams believes, will set the Pirates up for long-term success.
“I think he’s doing a great job,” Williams said. “The changes we’ve made so far, the progress we’re making in the weight room, the way everything is structured, and the discipline they’re putting on us—it’s all good. The way we’re going right now is going to set ECU up great for the next couple of years.”
Williams also credits Coach Roberts and Coach Baker for keeping a strong connection with him throughout his recruitment and transition to college. The relationship they built helped solidify his decision to flip from James Madison.
“Coach Rob really stuck with me, even after I initially committed elsewhere,” he said. “That meant a lot. And Coach JDB’s offense is exactly the kind of system I wanted to play in.”
Looking Ahead
Unfortunately, Williams has been sidelined early in spring practice due to a hamstring strain, but he’s taking advantage of the time by studying the playbook and preparing himself for the fall.
“I hate being injured, but I’m using the time to learn the playbook and take everything in,” he said. “I know when I get back out there, I’ll be ready.”
While he may not be on the field yet, he’s already thinking about what’s to come—especially the chance to play in front of Pirate Nation.
“I can’t wait to play in front of Pirate Nation,” he said. “It’s going to be special. The fans here are crazy, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
With his versatility, work ethic, and natural playmaking ability, Williams has all the tools to be a difference-maker for ECU’s offense. As the Pirates prepare for the 2024 season, he’ll be a name to watch—one that could finally bring back the explosive playmaking ECU fans have been missing.
