BOULDER — One month put Joseph Williams on the radar of every Power 4 program in the country.

A three-star recruit out of Arlington, Texas, Williams got the chance to make an instant impact at Tulsa and played in all 12 games as a freshman with five starts. But it was three games in particular that gave him a chance to quickly level up.

Williams entered the Nov. 2 game at UAB with 11 catches and a little over 100 yards through his first few collegiate games. He went on to have the biggest game of his season to date with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. He backed it up the following week with five catches (three for touchdowns) for 128 yards. The next game? Six receptions for 126 yards and another touchdown.

In all, he finished with 30 catches for just shy of 588 yards and five touchdowns, earning AAC freshman of the year honors before deciding to enter portal, ultimately winding up at Colorado as a key piece to the new-look wide receiver room that lost four players to the NFL following last season.

The Denver Gazette caught up with Williams prior to the season:

Q: After one year at Tulsa, what made you confident you could make the jump up to the Power 4 level?

A: I already knew I had the ability. I have really good hands, I have the ability to go over the top (of the defense), I was a real good deep threat. All I did all offseason was train on my route running because that’s what people saw as my biggest weakness, so I was just working on it. When I got my confidence in my route running, I just knew I would be able to play with anybody.

Q: How intriguing was it for you in the transfer portal knowing the Buffs sent four wide receivers to the NFL from last year’s team?

A: That was one of the biggest things that pushed me (to Boulder) is how many guys they put in the NFL last year, the most in all of college football. Then, the coaches around (here). (Wide receivers coach Jason) Phillips played in the NFL, Coach Primes is a Hall of Famer. There’s a bunch of Hall of Fame guys on this staff, so it was like, why wouldn’t I want to come play for someone who did what I want to do?

Q: How do you feel like your skill set fits into the offense?

A: We’re still trying to figure out our identity, so far. But I feel really good. The offense (last year) was a lot different than what it’s gonna be this year because we have the aspect of being able to run the ball. As receivers, that makes our job easier because they can’t drop eight (defenders) the whole time because we have a really good run game.

Q: What’s it been like trying to get in a rhythm with both Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis at quarterback?

A: It’s actually been really good. They’re great quarterbacks. It’s almost like you have a magnet on your hands because they put the ball wherever they want to. Being able to get a rhythm with them was super simple and easy.

Q: Everyone’s pick to be the breakout star offensively is junior WR Omarion Miller. What sticks out to you now that you’ve gotten to be around him for a few months?

A: He has a knack for the football. Anytime the ball’s in there, I know it’s going to Omarion. He’s always open, he’s always making plays. It’s good to have someone on the other side of me that’s able to do that. (Sophomore WR) Dre’lon (Miller) stands out, too. He’s a guy that can make a 2-yard gain into a 40-yard gain. Having these guys around me, it makes my job a lot easier.

King’s Players to Watch

Colorado: WR Dre’lon Miller, LB Shaun Myers

Arguably the most versatile player on the CU offense, Miller needs to be more involved this week. He has said that he envisions himself as a “Deebo Samuel type” hybrid wide receiver who can also carry the ball in the backfield and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has to find ways to get him more than the two touches he had in the season opener. Defensively, expect more rotation at linebacker after a difficult Week 1 containing the run and Myers, a North Alabama transfer, is a downhill player who could thrive in a bigger role this week.

Delaware: QB Nick Minicucci, LB Gavin Moul

The Blue Hens were forced to turn to their backup quarterback in Week 1, often a bad omen, but Minicucci came in and excelled in Delaware’s win over rival Delaware State. He finished with 270 passing and three touchdowns through the air and was also his team’s leading rusher with 47 yards and another touchdown on the ground. On defense, Moul led the Blue Hens in tackles in Week 1 and the veteran linebacker will be tasked with leading the effort against the Buffs’ rushing attack.