GRAMBLING---Freshman quarterback D.J. Williams, son of head coach Doug Williams, has been given the starting nod as Grambling State prepares to open the 2011 season against Alcorn State at the Port City Classic in Shreveport.

 

D.J. Williams has been in a spirited battle with sophomore Frank Rivers to take over behind center for the G-Men, and Doug Williams said the race came down to experience.

 

“Frank wasn't out there for spring football and D.J. was,” Doug Williams said. “He just has a better feel for the system — more confidence in it — because he was out there in the spring.”

 

The elder Williams realizes the pressure his son will be facing making his first start in Independence Stadium.

 

“He hasn't taken a snap in front of 20,000 people in his whole life,” Doug Williams said. “The most important thing there is to check his socks and make sure they're not wet before the game starts. If they're not wet, we might have a chance.”

 

Doug Williams said the father and son dynamic won't be a problem on the field.

 

“He just happens to be a player and I just happen to be the coach,” Doug Williams said. “I'm both Dad and Coach. At home I'm Dad, but on the field and in this (Robinson Stadium Support Facility) building, I'm Coach.

 

“I try to stay out of D.J.'s way and he stays out of my way. I don't really think I can give him advice at this point. He's just got to learn. He's done a good job of handling it so far. He just has to keep working hard.”

 

The 2011 Port City Classic kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday as GSU takes on Southwestern Athletic Conference rival Alcorn State at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.