Aaron Johnson – Sports Editor
After watching one workout with Southern Connecticut State University senior defensive lineman Zach Williams, it is no surprise why his teammates and coaches trust him out on the field.
“Zach means everything,” said defensive coordinator Jon Shelton. “Mostly in leadership as much as being a solid foundation. He’s a guy that’s old enough, mature enough, shows up and knows how to practice.”
Williams, from Wolcott, Conn., has been an anchor for the Owls’ defense during the 2014 season. He said throughout his time at Southern there has been a lot of adversity, but that it has only helped to drive him on and off the field.
“I feel like the on-field adversities I have faced fuel me in the sense that I know what it feels like to get hurt and work your way back,” Williams said. “I know what it feels like to fight for a position and to play behind great players from the past like Iike Igbinosun.”
While the road has been difficult, Williams has persevered through the bad times with his mentality of coming to work everyday and handling his business on the field. A trait he said he gets from his mother.
“I was taught by my mother to put my all into anything,” Williams said. “I do every time. It either can be work or sports. So when it comes to football it’s easy for me to do my job day in and day out. I love the game.”
On the season, Williams has been able to provide the Owls’ defense with a strong presence on the defensive line. In five games this season, Williams has started in each while posting 24 tackles, eight for a loss, four sacks, and a fumble recovery. He said a lot of his success has come from the experiences that he has learned going from his first year at Southern to now in his final year as an Owl.
“I feel it’s just experience on the field you just know things as a senior that doesn’t click when you’re an underclassman,” Williams said.
Fellow senior and team captain Carlif Taylor said that Williams’ passion on the field is something that gives him and the other members of the defense motivation to step their own game up to the next level.
“Zach is a very passionate dude,” Taylor said. “What I like about him is that he’s a different leader. Just like me he leads by his actions.”
Although the two seniors have been through many ups and downs together, Taylor said Williams approach to the game is something that he loves about his teammate.
“One thing since Zach’s been here is that he introduced hard work,” he said. “Even from his freshman to senior year throughout his injuries he’s always worked hard and earned everything he’s done. I love him. He’s like my brother.”
A dedicated teammate on and off the field, Williams was quick to praise his fellow defensive lineman. He said that the defensive lineman have worked hard for everything that they have accomplished.
“Carlif and I have been here from start to finish with each other,” Williams said. “We both have had our bangs and bruises but we both have toughed it out and worked to where we both are at now and this d-line would not be anything without players like him and A.J. Marsiglia. But hearing that come from such a great player who has committed so much of his life to this team really means a lot to me.”
Photo Credit: Southern News
