Speaking to reporters after Miami’s second practice of fall camp, Canes defensive chess piece James Williams exuded enthusiasm for the upcoming season. The former five-star recruit has primarily played safety his first couple seasons at UM, but is hoping to become a versatile force on the field, adapting to any role necessary to help his team succeed. Williams also underwent offseason shoulder surgery, which was an issue he dealt with for most of last year.
"I feel great. I feel more explosive, more elusive, more myself, better than ever," Williams said, displaying the kind of self-assurance that can be a game-changer for any player. “It feels great, looser – it feels like I didn’t even have surgery to be honest.”
When asked about his fit in new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry’s' defense, Williams didn't hesitate to express his readiness to embrace any role handed to him. "I feel like I could do anything he asks me to do. Whatever he wants, I'm willing to do it all, no matter what it is. I'm ready to help the team win and become a better defense in total," he said.
Guidry plans to utilize Williams in various positions, including at the line of scrimmage, as a blitzer, and at safety. Williams was open to the idea and emphasized his commitment to doing whatever it takes to succeed. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes, whatever Coach Guidry asked me to do or whatever Coach wants. I'm willing to do it, no matter what it is. I'm willing to make the team great and help us win," he stated.
Williams' love for his role in the new defense was evident as he expressed a desire to move around freely and be comfortable wherever he's placed. "I feel comfortable wherever I go because of the confidence I have for myself. The work I put in this offseason was a **** of an offseason, so I'm willing to come to the party this year," he said.
One intriguing development was Coach Guidry's proposal for Williams to play as an outside linebacker. Williams was not taken by surprise, showing his foresight and understanding of his future growth and potential. "I know what the future holds for me and my body, and how much I'm gonna keep growing, keep getting bigger. So I already knew these things," he confidently revealed.
It's evident that Williams has a strong bond with teammate Kam Kinchens, who he described as a growing leader on the team. "I want to say I'm proud of the leader he's become because at first when we first came in, he wasn't really (talkative), but he outgrew it. He understands the role that me and him got in this team, not even the defense, the team in general. So it's very exciting to see us mature and become big leaders of the team."
Williams also emphasized the importance of taking care of his body and staying healthy throughout the season, with a goal to play 15 games instead of the usual 12 or 10.
When asked about the discipline within the secondary, Williams acknowledged that last season, they might have been more focused on individual accomplishments rather than team success. However, this year, he and Kinchens have taken on the responsibility of building discipline within the team and staying on top of each other to ensure they perform collectively.
With new safeties joining the team, Williams was excited about their potential and willingness to put in extra work to succeed. He expressed his readiness to help them adjust and contribute to the team's success.
Williams said he is currently weighing 223 pounds.
"I feel great. I feel more explosive, more elusive, more myself, better than ever," Williams said, displaying the kind of self-assurance that can be a game-changer for any player. “It feels great, looser – it feels like I didn’t even have surgery to be honest.”
When asked about his fit in new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry’s' defense, Williams didn't hesitate to express his readiness to embrace any role handed to him. "I feel like I could do anything he asks me to do. Whatever he wants, I'm willing to do it all, no matter what it is. I'm ready to help the team win and become a better defense in total," he said.
Guidry plans to utilize Williams in various positions, including at the line of scrimmage, as a blitzer, and at safety. Williams was open to the idea and emphasized his commitment to doing whatever it takes to succeed. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes, whatever Coach Guidry asked me to do or whatever Coach wants. I'm willing to do it, no matter what it is. I'm willing to make the team great and help us win," he stated.
Williams' love for his role in the new defense was evident as he expressed a desire to move around freely and be comfortable wherever he's placed. "I feel comfortable wherever I go because of the confidence I have for myself. The work I put in this offseason was a **** of an offseason, so I'm willing to come to the party this year," he said.
One intriguing development was Coach Guidry's proposal for Williams to play as an outside linebacker. Williams was not taken by surprise, showing his foresight and understanding of his future growth and potential. "I know what the future holds for me and my body, and how much I'm gonna keep growing, keep getting bigger. So I already knew these things," he confidently revealed.
It's evident that Williams has a strong bond with teammate Kam Kinchens, who he described as a growing leader on the team. "I want to say I'm proud of the leader he's become because at first when we first came in, he wasn't really (talkative), but he outgrew it. He understands the role that me and him got in this team, not even the defense, the team in general. So it's very exciting to see us mature and become big leaders of the team."
Williams also emphasized the importance of taking care of his body and staying healthy throughout the season, with a goal to play 15 games instead of the usual 12 or 10.
When asked about the discipline within the secondary, Williams acknowledged that last season, they might have been more focused on individual accomplishments rather than team success. However, this year, he and Kinchens have taken on the responsibility of building discipline within the team and staying on top of each other to ensure they perform collectively.
With new safeties joining the team, Williams was excited about their potential and willingness to put in extra work to succeed. He expressed his readiness to help them adjust and contribute to the team's success.
Williams said he is currently weighing 223 pounds.
