Tyson Williams was surprised at the opportunity that presented itself late in the fourth quarter against the University of West Georgia on Saturday.

“I had a deep third, and biting on that was kind of weird,” Williams said. “I saw the quarterback catch it and then look, and didn’t have a drop back. I knew the ball had to get out quick.”

Once Williams saw the quarterback turn he thought to himself, “Oh, it’s got to be a hitch, I’ve got to jump that.”

Williams’s interception against UWG marked the first of his collegiate career in addition to giving the Wildcats their only turnover so far this season. The sophomore cornerback from Bixby, Oklahoma, in his second season with the Wildcats, has played a huge role in their first two games of the season. Listed at the top of the depth chart, Williams has shaped and led the defense despite being one of their youngest starters.

“At the beginning of the year everyone wants to come in, compete and make that starting spot,” Williams said. “That’s the same mindset. I just wanted to come in, just help ACU win, make the playoffs, and win a national championship.”

Williams has started the year strong, with three solo tackles against Texas Tech in the Wildcats’ season opener. Co-defensive Coordinator Jarred Holley is entering his first season with ACU and has been impressed with how Williams has played.

“Tyson’s done a great job so far this year. He’s one of those guys who comes to work every day, he’s very coachable,” Holley said. “He’s one of those guys who’s willing to learn and do whatever he has to do to get the job done.”

Tyson also received high praise from Head Coach Keith Patterson after his fourth-quarter interception against the University of West Georgia.

“He’s a more athletic version of Anthony Egbo,” Patterson said. “He embodies everything that we’re about here at ACU, and he is just going to get better and better as his career moves on.”

The Wildcats lost three of their top corners last year, including Anthony Egbo Jr., Aaron Reynolds and Patrick Jolly. This opened the door for new corners like Williams to get more snaps.

“It’s a next-guy-up mentality,” Holley said.

Williams and the Wildcats will travel to Greeley, Colorado, Saturday to play the University of Northern Colorado for their second non-conference game of the season.