Adversity prepares you for greatness.
And the start to Darius Williams’ third CFL campaign has been riddled with adversity both on and off the turf.
He sustained a calf injury during training camp which held him out of practice until Week 6. Finally closer to making his return, a personal matter prolonged his journey back to the field.
But that aforementioned saying couldn’t ring truer for the CSU Pueblo product and he’s ready to hit the ground running on Sunday night against the Argos when he makes his 2024 season debut.
“I’m feeling great,” said Williams. “This off-season has been one for the books, there were some hiccups going through training camp, but I’m healthy and excited to be back with my guys.
“With this sport you’re going to deal with adversity, and it’s all about how you deal with it and who you surround yourself with. I have a bunch of great guys in this locker room, a bunch of great coaches who got my back here.
“I love this organization. Anything I deal with; I’m never dealing with it alone. They’ve made it a little bit easier for me to bounce back for when I fall down and need to get back up.
“I’m feeling really good. We’re past that now, it’s time to put on the pads, put on the helmet, and I’m ready to ride for the horse (on Sunday).”
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The third phase specialist’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.
Through Week 8, Calgary is ranked last in opponent punt return yardage giving up an average of 14.7 yards and ranked sixth in opponent kickoff return yardage giving up an average 22.4 yards. Last week, they gave up their first kick return touchdown when Ottawa’s Kalil Pimpleton took a Cody Grace punt back to the house in the second half.
Darius Williams, the Stamps leader in special teams stops in 2023 with 22 tackles under his belt, also good for 2nd across the league that season, could be the link this 3-4 squad is missing.
“I’m ready to be that spark that we need on special teams,” said the Nevada resident.
“I’m going to go out there and do my job. Hopefully I can be that little missing piece that we’ve been needing these past couple of weeks.
“I’m not going to try to be ‘Superman’ out there. I’ll be Clark Kent and just do my job and take it one play at a time and take advantage of all the plays that come to me.”
Williams and Co. will have their hands full Sunday night as they’re tasked with containing the Argos ever-explosive Janarion Grant, who already leads the CFL in touchdown returns with three this season. He also sits first in punt return yards with 480, and second in kickoff return yards with 567.
“I always look at opponents as faceless, but with a name like Janarion Grant, you can’t overlook that,” explained Williams. “That guy is a hell of a player; he’s been in this league for quite some time. He always gives me a run for my money, I’ve been studying him very close this week and I’m excited to compete with that guy.
“I give him his flowers but I’m ready to come after him.”
Heritage Night at McMahon Stadium kicks off Sunday at 5 p.m.
