Demond Williams Jr. has a new look — sorta.
The Washington Huskies junior quarterback switched jersey numbers from No. 2 to No. 1, which holds sentimental value.
“I wore 1, all throughout middle school and elementary school,” said Williams, who grew up in Chandler, Ariz., and idolized former NFL star quarterback Cam Newton. “I used to play for my dad’s youth football team, and I used to always wear 1 growing up. In the high school, somebody had it, so I just stayed with same number (9).”
The past two years, former running back Jonah Coleman wore No. 1 at Washington and before his final game with the Huskies at the LA Bowl last December, Williams told him about his impending number change.
“It wasn’t really a trade,” Williams said, smiling. “It was kind of already in my plan when I came in. I always wanted to wear 1, and I wore 1 when I was a kid. When the opportunity came for it to be open, I just (took) it.
“We talked about it at the bowl game. So, the last practice we all switched our numbers. I switched with him, and I like how it feels”
In addition to Williams’ new number, Washington’s offense had an entirely fresh look at the first 2026 spring practice on a gorgeous and unseasonably warm sun-kissed Tuesday afternoon.
Without Denzel Boston — UW’s top receiver from last season — Williams spent the 2½-hour workout on the outdoors field next to Husky Stadium getting used to a new assortment of pass catchers.
During the final drive with the first-string offense, Williams looked comfortable standing in the pocket behind an offensive line that returns four starters and gave him plenty of time to pick apart the scout defense with an assortment of darts.
He connected with receiver Chris Lawson across the middle on an in-breaking route before hitting receiver Christian Moss for a long gain on a slant.
The drive ended with Williams throwing to slot receiver Dezmen Roebuck, who was stopped just before the end zone.
As the two walked off the field, Williams draped an arm around Roebuck’s shoulder and they chatted on the sideline for a few minutes.
“I was just telling him on a specific route an angle that I wanted and he did it perfectly on that next rep throughout that last period,” Williams said. “Just continue to build that rapport with him. I’ve been knowing him for so long, so I already kind of know how he thinks and continuing to understand how to improve each other as a duo.”
At the conclusion, coach Jedd Fisch was genuinely pleased after UW’s first outing in front of a sprinkling of fans.
“It’s really about just getting guys comfortable being out on the field,” he said. “There are 20 new freshmen, and there’s another 15 transfers. It’s like 35 guys total. That’s all new. Then we got other guys, now they’re going into their sophomore year, maybe they’re now becoming the starter and they’re the responsibility is a little bit different.
“So, it’s more about being comfortable, getting into a rhythm, seeing if we can break a huddle, complete some balls and do a good job in the running game. We don’t have Jonah. We don’t have Denzel. We don’t have some of the leaders of the past that they could follow, but on the same token, the younger guys are stepping up and being really good leaders.”
Fisch has several objectives he must accomplish during Washington’s 15 spring ball practices, but nothing is more important than establishing Williams as face of the program and rebuilding an aerial attack that ranked sixth in the Big Ten in passing yards (3,178).
In addition to Boston, who led UW in catches (62) and receiving yards (881), the Huskies lost Raiden Vines-Bright (24 receptions and 238 receiving yards), who transferred to Arizona State, as well as Coleman (31 catches and 354 yards).
It’s going to take a lot longer than one practice for Williams to find that same chemistry with his new weapons.
“Me and Denzel spent almost every day together last year, and I think you saw it on the field with him missing a lot of the offseason with an injury and then going out there and having a really successful last year,” Williams said. “Just being able to build that rapport with all the receivers is extremely important to our success.”
A day earlier, Fisch noted Williams’ maturity as he enters his second year as a starter.
“I’ll say just being more vocal and more outspoken as a leader,” Williams said, when asked how he’s different from last year at the start of spring practice. “Also understanding where we’re at as a team and what it’s going to take to beat the teams that we didn’t beat last year and continue to instill down the rest of the guys.”
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The 20-year-old Williams, who garnered All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition last season, is the biggest star on Montlake and he’s taking pride in being a mentor to his young receivers and freshman backup quarterback Derek Zammit, who made his Husky debut Tuesday.
“I had a lot of nerves my first couple days out here, so I know exactly what it feels like,” Williams said. “I was talking to Derek today and I was telling him I know exactly what you feel like. I got your back and I got you if you need anything or any help. I just think just being of assistance of any of the guys that just got here and any guys that just need help, I think it’s super important.
“Throughout the offseason, we worked really hard to get those relationships right so where they can feel that way and never feel like they’re stepping on my toes because that’s not how I am as a player. Whatever my receiver wants, we just find a median and we talk it out and find out how to better.”
Percy Allen: pallen@seattletimes.com. Percy Allen is a sports reporter for The Seattle Times, where he writes about the University of Washington Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams and the Seattle Storm.