LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -- UNLV nickelbacker Jerrae Williams is already on his third collegiate coaching staff but the former walk-on transfer from Arkansas Monticello continues to turn heads as he looks to make the 2023 season his best yet.
 
Williams who transferred to UNLV on the advice of his buddy, former Rebel star Jacoby Windmon, had to sit out two years after coming in from the Division-II Boll Weevils program but finally got to show off his talents last fall, appearing in all 12 games, starting nine of them. He finished the season with 56 total tackles, grabbed two interceptions, a fumble recovery and had a pass breakup.
 
Williams' jersey number has changed multiple times while in Las Vegas. He started out wearing No. 23, then changed to 4 in 2022, and going into his senior year will wear No. 1 in part because of his elevated playing level and respect earned from the new coaching staff that took over in December.
 
"Jerrae wears No. 1 because he earned it" said first-year defensive coordinator Mike Scherer while discussing the defensive back during fall camp.
 
New UNLV Head Coach Barry Odom was asked about Williams and also had nothing but praise.
 
"Jerrae is always around the building, his leadership qualities, skills and the way he practices is impressive." said Odom. "It doesn't take much motivation to get him going. He's self-motivated in a big way and has a tremendous personality. Just a great kid to be around."
 
Not only has he gained respect from his newest coaches, but Williams also showed the admiration is a two-way street.
 
"I love Coach Odom and Coach Scherer, the defense they brought over, I love it. It allows me to play my type of ball, being fast and physical." Williams said. "Coach Odom is so smart, I've learned so much from him, he makes everything so simple. The whole mentality about our defense fits me perfectly and I love it."
 
The Westwego, Louisiana, native has gone through trials and tribulation in his playing career, but his mentality and love for the game allowed him to never give up.
 
"It's a blessing to play football," he said. "I've had a time where football was taken away from me (when he had to sit out). Having that happen made me love it 10 times even more. There are people in my city that look up to me, they're proud of me, and wishing they could do the same things I could do. So, I keep that in my head and acknowledge that every day is a blessing. If I give my full energy and my full effort, they'll know my character as that."
 
The Rebels kick off their 2023 season at home on Sept. 2 against Bryant University. Season tickets for UNLV's six-game home schedule, priced starting at just $150, are available now by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS (3267). For information on VIP premium club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Rebel Athletic Fund's Premium Sales Division at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 895-1237. Single-game tickets are also now on sale.