Frankie Williams has emerged as one of the top returners in the CFL while at the same time also emerging as a steady, reliable presence in the defensive game too.
He led the CFL with 2020 yards between punt and kick returns while also adding a two return touchdowns—one kick, one punt. His Head Coach, Orlondo, Steinauer, says that the most notable improvement in Williams’ return game is his ability to pick his spots.
“I think the biggest thing with him, was that when three people were hanging on him, he still thought he needed to score, he was taking too many hits by trying to stay up too long.”
Coach Steinauer says this is something he and his staff try and drill into all of their returners.
“We’re just always harping on game situation. There’s times when we don’t need to take a chance on breaking a big one because maybe you’ll get a holding call and those things can be game changing. Where has if you just hit it for six yards, that can be the best return of the day sometimes.”
Williams says this all comes down to watching film and growing as a player.
“It’s just about seeing what’s there and if it is there, I’ve got to take it.”
As for being home free on a return, Williams says there’s nothing quite like it.
“It’s indescribable. I really don’t think I could put it into words.”
While he is the one up for the award, special teams is a huge team effort and Williams says that is vital to the success he has experienced this season.
“The key has been all the guys around me relentless, playing fast and playing physical. Then I just have to secure the ball and make sure the offence gets a chance to do their thing.”
The last Ticats player to win the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award is Williams’ teammate Brandon Banks. He took home the hardware in 2015, posting 1712 combined return yards and four kickoff return touchdowns.
Winnipeg’s Mike Miller is the nominee from the west, and Williams’ competition for the award. This is interesting because they’re completely different special teams players. Miller is listed as a fullback on the Bomber’s website and leads the team and the west division with 25 special teams tackles. His season was highlighted by his record tying performance in week 4 when he matched the CFL record for special teams tackles with seven.
Should Williams be fortunate enough to win the award, he says that his acceptance speech could be a lengthy.
“This could be a long one. I could ask a ton a guys to come up with me, because it’s just not about me. There could be about 15 people up there with me speaking.” Williams said with a smile.
The winners will be announced at the 2019 Shaw CFL Awards on Nov. 21, during Grey Cup week in Calgary.
Next up: Head Coach Orlondo Steinauer’s case for Coach of the Year