The Southern Illinois Salukis were able to grab two standout transfers of this offseason from Missouri Valley Conference rival team Murray State.

Entering this season, it was certain the Salukis would have a new look. After losing quarterback Nic Baker, the Salukis all-time leader in passing yards, the program had some decisions to make and decided to take a look into the portal. There they found DJ Williams, a dual-threat quarterback from Murray State. Williams looking to contribute to a winning program and SIU looking for a well balanced and efficient quarterback seemed like a match made in heaven. 

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Williams wasn’t the only well touted player from Murray State looking for a new home. Linebacker Nick “Shug” Walker was also another player that SIU felt belonged here in Carbondale, and Walker agreed. Walker, a hard hitting and high energy defender who tallied almost 80 tackles last season for Murray State, is now going to be a part of a Salukis defensive program that is known for its intensity and prowess. 

The NCAA Transfer Portal is still fairly new to the collegiate scene. The portal has created an easier process for athletes like Walker and Williams to transition from one program to another. This gives the student athletes more freedom and control over their collegiate career while also giving schools, and coaches the ability to improve programs quicker and more efficiently. 

Transferring from one and transitioning to another football program is not an easy job. Throw in moving to another town and having to start fresh and it can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily for Williams and Walker they have had each other during the transfer process. 

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“Me and Shug got a pretty close relationship, being able to talk about stuff we’ve been through at Murray, the things we see (has helped),” Williams said. “It’s been pretty easy, the coaches, my teammates, have all made it a pretty smooth transition, welcoming us in with open arms.” 

The coaching staff has been nothing short of excited to have the new additions to the team. SIU linebacker coach Mac McLeran spoke highly of Walker joining the Saluki family. 

“Adding Shug has been a treat, you are adding a guy who plays with a lot of energy, a lot of tempo, and a downhill mentality that the position really demands,” McLeran said.

To McLeran, Walker is an ideal fit into SIU’s defensive scheme. 

“He likes to set the edge, he’s a good tackler in space and he brings the attitude and energy you’re looking for as a coach..he’s going to be a huge asset to us on and off the field” McLeran said.

For Walker the goal is simple: he wants to win. “I just want to win ball games, that’s the biggest reason I left and the biggest reason I came here. I want to play for a program, a team, a family,” Walker said.

The Salukis finished in the middle of the pack last season with an overall record of 8-5 and a conference record of 4-4. At a glance this may be misleading because the Salukis were one of the best teams in the Valley, with their only losses coming from tough FCS powerhouse programs in the Dakotas and Youngstown State. They nearly made it through to the third round of the FCS playoffs until a highly controversial pass interference was called in overtime on a 4th and goal that favored Idaho, ultimately leading the Dawgs to a 20-17 loss against the Vandals. 

Though they play on opposite sides of the ball, Walker and Williams share the same goal. Williams stated that he will do whatever it takes to win. 

While the drive to win is something many coaches prioritize over all else, Williams thinks there is one other characteristic that comes in a close second.

“Toughness, we’ve both been through a lot in our lives and we continue to put those experiences into football. We are very tough and gritty,” Williams said.

On the field, they bring a high level of skill that can help the team seek another possible postseason run, and off the field they bring charisma and genuine energy that helps glue the team together. Linebacker Shug Walker is known for his highly energetic personality and funny jokes.

Williams is well-known around the team for his cooking skills, many of which he learned from his mother.

“I’d call myself somewhat of a chef, I had the receivers over last week. It’s something that I want to do every week, try something new and have different teammates and position groups over to spend more time with them and cook for them,” Williams said.

When they aren’t over at his place, Willams and Walker find time to try the local food spots in southern Illinois. DJ Williams says he loves Changos and Pagliai’s located in Carbondale, while Walker says his Carbondale favorites are Changos and Moes, along with Midland Inn which is located in Murphysboro. 

Walker, Williams and the rest of the Salukis will play at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale on Sept. 21 against rival Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) during SIU’s annual Family Weekend in the War for the Wheel.

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