Name: Anthony Williams
School: Missouri Western State
Position: ILB
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 225
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
For my final season at Missouri Western one of my main goals was to make the playoffs for the first time in my four years of being here and to also leave the team better than when I got here four years ago. My individual goals that I had set for myself were to lead the team in tackles for the second straight year, be defensive player of the week, make all-conference honors for the second time and to be the best leader that I could be. Our team didn’t make it to the playoffs or win the conference, but we had one of our best seasons in a while finishing 9-3 in the MIAA. Since we didn’t make it to the playoffs, we ended up playing in our second straight bowl game in Texarkana Live United Bowl and won.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say that I am a selfless leader, who doesn’t always say a lot but who leads by example and does the right thing on or off the field. My coaches would also say that I’m a person who doesn’t say much but just shows up on film.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film, I will look to see what the opposing offense likes to do as far as run and pass. I will also look at the offensive line of the opposing teams to see how well they move and how well they block the other linebackers in our conference. I then go back to look at our practice film to see what mistakes I made during practice, so that I can correct them before the game. I will also look to see how well I used my hands to get off blocks while also looking at the linebacker that plays next to me to see what he does good and bad.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I’m versatile and I can play all four phases of special teams at a high level. I use my hands really well when it comes to getting off blocks.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan is to train at school with my strength coach and to improve my bench and shave off some time on my 40 yard dash.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths and abilities that I will bring to a team on and off the field are my versatility, work ethic, effort and my selflessness. I am a team player first and foremost, I will do what is needed for the team to be successful whether it be playing all special teams on top of also playing on defense or just playing only special teams. I aim to make the team better. All throughout college I played all four phases of special teams and I was very successful in doing so. I arrive early to everything ready to go. I was taught by defensive coordinator to run to the football instead of waiting thinking that someone else will make the play, so that part of my will translate to the next level.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL or other pro leagues is that I just want a chance to show what I can do and to whatever team might want me I will give them everything I have in order to make the team better.