The Alabama star will have even more of a reason to sack quarterbacks this fall.
Linebacker Tim Williams was not a three-down player in 2015, but all the dirt and grass he put on the helmets of quarterbacks would say otherwise. Williams went from barely seeing action in his first two season at Alabama (2013, 2014) to becoming a pass rush specialist a year ago.
He recorded just 19 tackles, nevertheless, Williams made his mark on negative plays.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native finished second in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (12), behind defensive end Jonathan Allen. Williams’ speed, hands and technique on the edge guided him to 10 sacks against marquee opponents. He frustrated both Florida (SEC title game) and Michigan State (Cotton Bowl) in the postseason, wrapping up Treon Harris and Connor Cook for three total sacks.
Despite his numbers, media personnel of the Southeastern Conference was not moved to naming him a preseason first team all-conference player. The 6-foot-4, 252-pound sack machine was bumped to second team, joining sophomore cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick on defense.
Williams could have declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, but he chose to return for one thing… A shot at breaking ex-Tide linebacker Derrick Thomas’ sack record—27, during the 1988 season.
He added some weight as training for being an every down linebacker. College football guru Phil Steele has Williams being taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, on top of him being named to two different preseason award watch lists (Bednarik, Nagurski). The press may have chosen Alabama as its SEC champion, but Williams will look for some respect on his name in the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
