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When Missouri defensive tackle Kristian Williams speaks, his teammates listen.
Williams, who’s returning to Missouri football in 2024 for his sixth season of college football, is the only returning member of the Tigers’ defensive tackle rotation from its Cotton Bowl-winning roster.
Jayden Jernigan, Josh Landry and Realus George Jr. are all out of eligibility and have NFL aspirations, leaving Mizzou with a significant hole to fill in interior defensive line coach Al Davis’ patented four-man rotation.
Williams could have gone, too. Davis knows how big it was that he returned.
“It was major to get him back,” Davis said, “‘cause you don’t want to lose the whole group, right?”
Williams, who’s played 25 games in black and gold since transferring from Oregon two seasons ago, made 11 starts in 2023 and appeared in all 13 of Missouri’s games. He registered 25 tackles, including five for loss, and was a crucial member of a defense that held Ohio State to just three points in the Cotton Bowl.
But while getting Williams’ production back is big, the return of Williams’ leadership is just as, if not more, valuable in Davis’ eyes.
“When that dog barks,” Davis said, “everybody listens.”
Missouri defensive lineman Kristian Williams (5) deflects a pass from Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Missouri in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.
It’s no secret why.
“It’s one of those deals where Kristian earned his respect around here,” Davis said. “He’s the only kid on the football team that’s gonna be fully dressed for football practice before we go to position drills. He’s the only kid that you’re gonna see up here on an off day, right, consistently. Now, some guys come in on Saturday. Most of our team comes in on Saturday. Well,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lean-mean-kristian-williams-ready-090426571.html
Author : Columbia Daily Tribune
Publish date : 2024-03-08 09:04:26
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