Isiah “Juice” Williams got his first taste of college football in Saturday’s home opener against Eastern Illinois. The famed freshman quarterback took a few minutes Monday to talk to the DI about that experience, how he got that great nickname and the perils of dorm life.

Question: I’m sure you’ve answered this question a lot lately, but can you talk about your emotions going into your first game Saturday?

Answer: It was a very different thing coming in, there’s a lot of pressure coming in as one of the top recruits in the nation and just coming in as a quarterback in the Big Ten. I’ve got teammates depending on me, other freshman players depending on me, and all those fans depending on me. I know pressure like that can make me or break me and I’m up for the challenge. I know I’m just going to get better each and every time I’m out here.

Q: Now we’re going into your first road game. Are there any different kinds of nerves or concerns your dealing with?

A: Obviously the fan support is out there, going out to New Jersey will be a very different atmosphere. Instead of all the fans cheering for us, they’ll be going against us, booing us. Like the first game it will be a very difficult task, but all I’ve got to do is stay focused and it should be alright.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about dorm life?

A: Just being able to communicate with the rest of the students here. I don’t want to be treated differently because I’m a hot recruit, I don’t want to be treated like some football god or something. I just want people to treat me like an average young man living the college lifestyle. I like knocking on people’s doors, introducing myself, having people knock on my door and introducing themselves. It’s just part of the regular college experience.

Q: I understand there’s a good story about how you got the nickname…

A: Actually, I was given the name in the delivery room. When I came out I was 13 pounds, 8 ounces, and my grandmother said, ‘Darn, you’re a juicy baby.’ And the name Juice has stuck with me ever since.