Williams earns A-Day recognition
During a halftime interview with ESPN, Alabama coach Nick Saban joked that linebacker Tim Williams might “ruin” Saturday’s A-Day game.
Williams kinda did.
Rank Tim Williams No. 1 among reasons why Alabama’s offense struggled so much. Last season’s breakthrough defender broke through the line a lot and had a lot to do with the White team beating Crimson 7-3 in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He hopes to have a lot more to do with Alabama’s successes on defense in the fall.
“That’s my goal, just to show that I can play all the downs,” the rising senior linebacker said. “Fans are used to seeing me come in on third downs, so I just wanted them to come out today and see me on every down and see what I can do.”
Williams’ three quarterback hurries and two sacks earned him the Dwight Stephenson Lineman of the A-Day Game Award. Both sacks came in the first half.
It comes with all of the usual caveats that come with an intrasquad scrimmage, including a big caveat from Alabama coach Nick Saban.
“We don’t really have a first-team offensive line,” Saban said. “Those were the guys that went with the first-team offensive line today.”
Starting left tackle Cam Robinson (shoulder) did not play but will return in the fall. Korren Kirven played in that spot Saturday.
Still, Williams broke through in 2015 with 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He ranked fifth in the SEC and second on the team at .70 sacks a game.
He didn’t get credit for a sack in the national championship game but kept chase on Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson often. Williams and fellow linebacker Rashaan Evans lined up outside of Clemson’s tackles and challenged Watson with their speed.
He’s put on weight since. The spring media guide lists him at 237 pounds, but he said he’s up to 258. It’s all part of trying to become more than a sack specialist.
“I’ve worked on taking on blockers and sewing up my gap and just playing the run, for real,” he said. “Just being more attentive and focused on run plays or anything about the run.
“It’s new to me, but I’m going to take on the challenge.”
Contact Sports Columnist Joe Medley at jmedley@annistonstar.com. On Twitter, @jmedley_star.
This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 8:15 PM with the headline "Williams earns A-Day recognition."