Whether it’s assistant coach Tosh Lupoi or an unfortunate incident that occurred during homecoming week, Tim Williams has been focused in the last four games. He was big-named recruit in Alabama’s 2013 signing class, but Williams was one that always needed extra motivation. Getting his weight up and dissecting the Crimson Tide’s scheme were obstacles he conquered in 2015, totaling 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
Williams, a native of Baton Rouge, La., was arrested on Sept. 29 for reportedly carrying a gun without a permit (it was later learned that he had one). Upset with his actions, Williams vowed to not let the incident define his season. Coach Nick Saban suspended the sack specialist for the first half of Alabama’s game against Kentucky, however, one half of action was all he needed.
Thank god a mistake worth learning from. 🙏🏽🤘🏾
— $icario🐉 (@JaYbOi225) September 29, 2016
For 30 minutes, Kentucky’s offensive line, running backs and quarterback, Stephen Johnson, saw nothing but a No. 56 jersey terrorizing it. Williams exploded on the edge for four total tackles, including three for loss (-14) and a sack. He recorded a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries in the Tide’s 34-6 victory, aiding the team to a 5-0 record overall. The senior outside linebacker would be recognized as one of nine players of the week, following the Kentucky match-up. Through a four-game stretch, Williams has totaled 10 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks and six quarterback hurries. He dominated Texas A&M’s offensive line on last week, collecting three tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks (-27).
After finishing behind Jonathan Allen in sacks last season, Williams now leads the squad with 6.5 sacks while adding nine tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles to his stat sheet.
He’s been regarded as a first-round pick heading into next year’s NFL Draft, but Williams will first have a date with LSU next week. He intends to inflict pain on his hometown.
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.
