Bowling Green State University Athletics
Williams Continues Family Tradition
August 11, 2006 | Football
Aug. 11, 2006
Bowling Green, Ohio - Bowling Green State University senior defensive lineman Brad Williams has never been a player who has sought out the spotlight. He has quietly gone about his business as he enters his fifth year in the program. This coming year, however, a young defensive unit will likely look to him and fellow seniors Devon Parks and Terrell White as the trio looks to form part of a graduating class which will look to be the third straight to leave the program without experiencing a losing season.
During his career, Williams has started the last 23 games and had a season-high 63 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles. The 2006 season also will mark the eighth straight year a member of the Williams family has been a part of the Falcon program. From 1999-2003, brother Jimmy played defensive line and offensive line.
Q & A With Brad Williams
How is everyone holding up in camp right now?
"Everybody is in good spirits. We still have long way to go, about another week and a half. Our defense is playing very well. We have a lot of young guys who are running to the football, making some big hits. I'm getting excited for the season."
How are some of the new players progressing and what does it mean for you?
"We got a lot young guys and its going to be exciting to see them play. They bring a lot of energy and hunger. "I have to step up more and be more of a vocal leader, bring guys along with me."
Do you try and use your brother's experience with the program in teaching players that the recent success of the Falcons was built through hard work and not something that just happened?
"I've been a part of Falcon football through Jimmy for eight, nine years now and I do remember the bad times. You look back on that, and you got to remember that you never want to go back to that and use that as a motivation tool for these young guys. We have a good group of guys who want to make their own mark and that serves as motivation as well."
Without the hype and name players that dominated the preseason talk last year, how have you approved this training camp?
"Not having the star players is a lot different than last year. We had the media hype and everything, and we didn't live up to those expectations. Every year we go in with high expectations. Our goal every year is to play for championships and this year is no exception."
What are some of the things that the defense is trying to focus on?
"Coach (John) Lovett (BGSU Defensive Coordinator)has been stressing the team concept, you have to trust your teammates, buying into the system. A bunch of the older guys are buying in and getting some of the younger guys to do the same is going to be huge for us."
Any of the newcomers stand out to you?
"P.J. Mahone has been stepping it up and making some big hits. D.J. Young might have a chance to help us out this year. Everyone has come in with a great attitude.
What is Jimmy doing now?
"Jimmy just got a teaching job at Princeton High School in Cincinnati. He is going to help coach their wrestling program and was thinking about volunteering with the football program. I'm not sure. He and his wife, Kasey (former BGSU women's soccer player Kasey Freeman), have been married for about a year."
