Williams makes the transition to the NFL
Ken Woods
Issue date: 10/19/09 Section: Sports
"Dealing with being injured really bothered me," Williams said. "I had to miss the first two weeks, and I didn't really know how to handle it. I was anxious, and I have never really been injured before so it was challenging."
Williams came back in the third week and recorded a solo tackle in the contest. At Western he rarely came off the field, now he is used sparingly on defense and mostly on special teams.
He was prepared for his current role on the Cowboys from past experience at Hanson Field.
"It's actually not much different from freshman year," Williams said. "I was a redshirt freshman, and I had to watch and learn things without playing a lot. So it's really no different from then."
In addition to limited playing time, Williams had to make adjustments in other areas on and off the field.
"It is really challenging trying to occupy my free time," Williams said. "We have a lot of down time, and it is difficult trying to manage it, so I have to really get used to that. On the field the players are much smarter at this level. I came from an FCS school, so the speed is a little faster, but the main difference is that everyone is smart. You have to be smart too because all the players are already good at this level, so the smartest players are usually the best."
Williams has received help in this area from veteran linebacker Bradie James. He has become a mentor to Williams in some instances and it has helped boost his football IQ.
"Me and Bradie James actually talk a lot, and he tells me that he was in this position before, so he knows how it is," Williams said. "He tells me about some mistakes I made on reads or helps me with the little things. He has been helpful."
Williams is only six weeks into his NFL career and the best part of his experience has been the people in the stands.
"The fans are just so passionate, and they really love their team," Williams said. "They come to the games with their faces painted, and they are pumped up like they are about to play. They can come up to you and they know your whole bio already. I have never seen fans like this."
He served as grand marshal at Homecoming during the Cowboys' bye week. Williams will return to regular season action next Sunday, Oct. 25 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Williams came back in the third week and recorded a solo tackle in the contest. At Western he rarely came off the field, now he is used sparingly on defense and mostly on special teams.
He was prepared for his current role on the Cowboys from past experience at Hanson Field.
"It's actually not much different from freshman year," Williams said. "I was a redshirt freshman, and I had to watch and learn things without playing a lot. So it's really no different from then."
In addition to limited playing time, Williams had to make adjustments in other areas on and off the field.
"It is really challenging trying to occupy my free time," Williams said. "We have a lot of down time, and it is difficult trying to manage it, so I have to really get used to that. On the field the players are much smarter at this level. I came from an FCS school, so the speed is a little faster, but the main difference is that everyone is smart. You have to be smart too because all the players are already good at this level, so the smartest players are usually the best."
Williams has received help in this area from veteran linebacker Bradie James. He has become a mentor to Williams in some instances and it has helped boost his football IQ.
"Me and Bradie James actually talk a lot, and he tells me that he was in this position before, so he knows how it is," Williams said. "He tells me about some mistakes I made on reads or helps me with the little things. He has been helpful."
Williams is only six weeks into his NFL career and the best part of his experience has been the people in the stands.
"The fans are just so passionate, and they really love their team," Williams said. "They come to the games with their faces painted, and they are pumped up like they are about to play. They can come up to you and they know your whole bio already. I have never seen fans like this."
He served as grand marshal at Homecoming during the Cowboys' bye week. Williams will return to regular season action next Sunday, Oct. 25 against the Atlanta Falcons.
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