Josh Williams put his name in ink for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the form of a national letter of intent on Wednesday. Williams let the Cornhuskers return the favor by letting them ink their name in his hair.

Josh Williams

The Ryan defensive end showed up to the Raiders’ signing party at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex with a new suit and new hair – a short cut with “NEBR” shaved into the side.

“It’s exciting,” Williams said. “I’m very happy. It’s over and done with now. I’m 100 percent a Husker. I just want to get up there, compete, get on the field and win some games.”

Williams’ signing officially ends what was a reversal of the senior’s change of heart. Williams committed to Nebraska in August, only to switch to Colorado after the Cornhuskers fired head coach Bill Callahan.

Former Nebraska assistant and LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini replaced Callahan, and his defensive prowess got Williams back on board.

“It feels really good to know I’m going to the place I was originally committed to,” Williams said. “It’s a 4-3 defense. It’s going to be a great fit. With the way they’re talking about needing rush ends, I think I’ll go fit in well.”

Williams was a three-star prospect on the recruiting Web site Rivals.com. He is the 12^th ranked weak-side defensive end in the country and the 48^th ranked prospect in the state of Texas.

He backed up his high ranking with a phenomenal senior year. He was a unanimous all-district selection in 5-4A after tallying 74 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and a touchdown that came after a blocked kick.

“I told him the same thing we always do – be honest and be open with everybody,” said Ryan head coach Joey Florence. “Josh has handled himself very well. I’m very proud of him through this process. What’s important is Josh thinks it is. Josh is going to be successful wherever he goes.”

Nebraska is trying to get to the level of play that formerly had it competing for the national title on a regular basis. Since Tom Osborne’s retirement, the Huskers have struggled under Frank Solich and Callahan.

Nebraska currently has the 30^th ranked recruiting class in the nation, with Williams being one of the prized recruits. Williams hopes to be a part of resurrecting the proud program.

JEFF ANDREWS can be reached at 940-566-6873. His e-mail address is jandrews@dentonrc.com.