Over the past few seasons this hasn’t presented a problem as far as BYU is concerned, and as recently as last season the Cougars consistently fielding top three cornerbacks Evan Johnson, Tre Alexander and Mory Bamba, and with relative success. Entering this season both Johnson and Alexander returned, but with Bamba having moved on and graduated, it was imperative that coaches find ample replacements to bring to the table what Bamba did as a solid and uber-athletic option over the past two seasons.

Enter both sophomore Cannon DeVries and Mississippi State transfer Jayven Wiliams.

DeVries has been a rather unexpected standout this season, operating as the team’s primary slot corner. And with regards to Williams, a lot was expected from him when given his experience and senior status entering the season, and through three games played this season, the 6-foot-2, 175 pound Mobile, Alabama native has proven equal to the task.

“Jayven’s been great,” assessed BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga. ” … He’s just great tackler, (and a) very physical football player. He’s a guy that’s played a lot of football, playing in the SEC and been in other places, and he’s a great fit for this place. He’s come in and been able to fit in immediately with our our culture and the way that we do things and understanding our defense. So it’s been exciting to see him progress and I was really excited to see him make plays on Saturday because he’s worked his butt off.”

Williams spent his first three seasons playing for Kennesaw State where he slowly rose to the point where he was able to earn a spot with the Bulldogs to help that program defend against top SEC Conference offensive units. Williams played in all 13 games for Mississippi State last season while compiling 18 tackles and an interception.

Cougar coaches identified Williams and how he could help replace Bamba out of the transfer portal and moved immediately to bring him in despite the speedy corner knowing almost nothing about BYU when he was first contacted. As could well be imagined for someone who grew up far away from Provo, there was at least subsequently at least some precaution in Williams’ mind about heading out west when first contacted, although he grew comfortable with BYU’s unique culture almost instantly.

“I think BYU is one of those places where you have to come to see what’s here because a lot of people have their own interpretations of things that they think BYU may be about and what it actually is,” Williams said. “But you have to actually come to see, because it’s great out here. I mean, I knew BYU played good football, and that’s why I was interested at all, but then after coming out here made me know it’s the place I needed to be.”

Williams cites immediate connections with players such as Alexander and Jordyn Criss, along with building immediate trust and comfort with Cougar coaches DeMario Warren, Lewis Walker, Poppinga and head coach Kalani Sitake, as big reasons why he decided to spend his final season playing for BYU.

“It’s just been really, really easy for me to fit in here, and I was a bit surprised by that,” Williams said. “The players and coaches here are just so welcoming and while there was definitely some culture shock with me being from the south, the other factors overcame all of it. I love the culture of the BYU team and Provo is great, and when you have common goals with everyone else that’s here, it works.”

Also working well has been Williams operating as a third corner, which the Cougar defense employs often. While DeVries provides a primary option at slot corner, Williams has been employed at outside corner when either spelling Alexander opposite Johnson or allowing Johnson to slide inside to play at slot corner.

“I feel comfortable in the defensive system here,” Williams, who has 10 total tackles so far this season, said. “The defensive coaches here are great, and I knew I could fit in well, and so far it’s been great to help out where I can.”

Williams also believes that spending his final season in Provo playing for BYU will, in turn, help himself and his future both on and off the field of play.

“There’s a life after ball, and there’s a lot of people here doing a lot of great things other than ball,” Williams said. “So I know the relationships I’m building here with school and everything else is going to benefit me big when I’m 30 and even 40 years old, and probably long after that. That’s honestly the biggest reason I’m here and the best thing about BYU. It’s definitely not a place I ever thought I’d end up, but I’m very happy to be here.”