DeKALB -- Four schools later, Mykelti Williams has found a home at Northern Illinois.

Following a redshirt year at Notre Dame, a bounce-back season at Iowa Western and a brief commitment to Syracuse, Williams was a standout safety in 2017 during his first year with the Huskies. The then-redshirt sophomore finished third in tackles and led the team in solo stops (59).

After de-committing from Syracuse, Williams -- a 5-foot-11, 210 pound defensive back -- was a late arrival to NIU in spring 2017. He wasn't sure how his arrival to campus would shake out among his new teammates.

"I really appreciate the guys embracing me and accepting me as a player," Williams said. "I have definitely found my place. It’s been a pleasure being a part of NIU. I love the culture here."

He said NIU's culture derives mostly from its team motto: The Hard Way.

"That explains it all," Williams said. "We do everything hard. Everything we go about, it’s a grind. 'The Hard Way' isn't just a saying, it's the way we live."

The Huskies will have many opportunities to display their work ethic throughout a loaded 2018 season. Their non-conference opponents include Iowa, Utah, Florida State and Brigham Young.

NIU opened as a 13-point underdog to Iowa and a 22-point dog to Florida State, according to Bovada. Both games are on the road.

Williams laughs whenever he hears the word underdog.

"It’s pretty funny people consider NIU an underdog," he said. "From the outside looking in, people can write and say what they want about NIU. But come game time, they still have to line it up and play against NIU.

"We have a very challenging schedule, but it's not going to be a slouched game. We’re giving it our best shot every game. I wouldn’t consider us an underdog."

Last season, Nebraska was favored to beat the Huskies by 10 points before the two teams kicked off Sept. 16 at Memorial Stadium. NIU won by four, 21-17, as Rod Carey improved his record against Big Ten opponents to 4-1. Williams finished with a game-high nine solo tackles.

This upcoming fall, Williams will be a key veteran on a Huskies' defense that ranked among the best in the country last year.

"The role I have to play this year is big. I have to be consistent," Williams said. "There won't be a difference (in work ethic) with me. You're always going to get the same Mykelti Williams everyday. I just try to go out there and lead by example and try to be the best teammate I can be."

Asked how the Huskies plan on approaching one of the nation's most difficult schedules this upcoming fall, Williams grinned.

"2:30 September 1 at Iowa," he said. "That’s all we’re focused on."