"I understand it's a compliment," said Williams. "What kid doesn't want to have someone say that about them? The pressure's always on, but I've always taken a lot on myself ... I've got to play the best, I've got to be the best, I've got to give it my all. If I just keep working at it, I'll be where I want to be."

Williams will get another major test Aug. 30 when UNI opens its season at Iowa, which features one of the country's top offensive lines.

"They do a good job coaching their offensive line," Paup said. "It's going to be a real test for us. I'm excited to see him play against Iowa. It will be a good barometer of where he's at. We're going to see where he's at in that game, but I have a feeling he'll be alright."

And a year from now, it won't surprise Paup if his star pupil has earned a spot on an NFL roster.

"I definitely think so," said Paup. "He does it off the field. He's a good, quality human being. I would definitely say he's going to have a shot."

That's something that isn't on Williams' radar at present.