He blasted a grand slam in first-ever press conference in front of the New York media and melted hearts on Mother’s Day in discussing how much he continues to keep his mom close to him, despite her tragic passing from breast cancer.
For Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft is more than excited for his opportunity to play for the Jets. After the organization made his dream of teaming up with former University of Alabama linebacker – C.J. Mosley – a reality, the Birmingham (Ala.) native got his jersey number on Monday as the franchise started its rookie minicamp session.
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He wore No. 92 for the Crimson Tide, but will sport No. 95 in the pros.
All of our draft picks have their numbers. ?
? https://t.co/0YcN3BeGpR pic.twitter.com/3CQ4M4LsPg
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 13, 2019
Williams wants to be coached hard and it was that mentality that led to him becoming a unanimous All-American and Outland Trophy winner last season. He turned in 71 tackles, including a team-high 19.5 stops for loss with eight sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.
According to the team’s website, head coach Adam Gase sees big things from Williams and possibly intends on moving him around on the defensive line.
“Anytime you have a guy that we see as a really talented player, a guy that put a lot of good tape out there his last year in college, and add that to the group we already have, I think it’s really going to be something that could help our defense, especially up the middle,” Gase said. “The push up the middle is going to be big for us, especially in this division.”
Williams had his best performances against strong competition such as LSU, Mississippi State and Georgia.
He is now in the AFC East: a division where he has to face Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Josh Rosen (Miami Dolphins).
After spending the last two years with the Cleveland Browns, Gregg Williams returns as a defensive coordinator for the Jets.
Williams has 22 years of experience coaching defense, with 14 seasons as a play caller. Williams’ craftiness as a schemer has Gase believing his first pick of the draft won’t always be lined up in the same spot.
“Nobody’s really set in one area where you say he’ll always be on the left, always be on the right, always be at 3 or nose. Gregg moves these guys around so much, it’s really hard to pinpoint them. But we’ll have a good mix of personnel groupings with those guys.”- Gase said on Quinnen Williams
With acquiring Mosley in the offseason and having Avery Williamson, Leonard Williams and Jamal Adams, New York wants to win now. Not to mention, it also selected Jachai Polite in the third round – the former edge rusher from University of Florida.
The big kid is in the “Big Apple” and for Quinnen Williams, the former four-star is ready to feast at the next level.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
