Connor Williams – October 9, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
OL Connor Williams
(You were obviously a really good blocker in Dallas at guard. You’re blocking at center here in a year and four games has been extraordinary. Do you feel you’re an even better blocker at center than guard? Do you think it’s comparable?) – “I’ve definitely enjoyed the transition to center and definitely, under this offense with Mike (McDaniel) and Frank (Smith), I think they use people’s strengths really well. It’s as simple as that.”
(What do you think was your biggest impact in your return to the lineup?) – “I think we all just were ready to put that behind us and be able to take the next step up to the next week. I think we were able to get back into who we were and being able to move the ball how we like to move the ball. It’s a day-by-day grind, week-by-week grind of just getting better and picking up things here and there and just continuing to grind.”
(Has there been an added emphasis this year or as the season has gone on – we’re seeing it seems like an awful lot of offensive linemen getting to the second level, especially on running plays to help spring running backs. Is that happening more this year?) – “I mean obviously, year two of an offense is going to take time to transition into a new style, a new approach. It’s definitely been a strength of emphasis for us this year of just being able to get on linebackers. Everybody’s connected and we’ve got enough speed to make people miss.”
(Do you want this team to be known as a team that can dominate the trenches and run the ball more than passing?) – “I think this team has a lot of weapons. I think it has many strengths. As much as the receivers and the running backs are what they are, which they are amazing, I want us to be able to step up and say, ‘we’re the same as the o-line.’ So just putting responsibility on each and every one of our shoulders to be able to step up and everyone be strong.”
(There was some talk yesterday about the touchdown to WR Tyreek Hill and how QB Tua Tagovailoa kind of went off script and Head Coach Mike McDaniel was wondering what was going on. Can you take us inside the huddle? What was that like when he was calling that play?) – “I mean, it sounded like Mike called it. He came in and he was just affirmative with it. It just seemed like every other play. So to hear that after, it was a little wild. But just call it and we block it.”
(What have your conversations been like with OL Liam Eichenberg? I know he probably wasn’t proud of the performance he had in Buffalo. But just picking up your teammate, things like that.) – “Liam’s taken – he is who he is. He’s an amazing person, amazing man. He grinds his ass off. So for him to be able to step into center like that, like I said last week, I think he did a great job. That’s a hard transition to make and I think he did a great job, definitely, from practicing guard and from all the positions he’s been at. Obviously, you’re going to naturally feel some type of way. But I mean, just to keep his head up, I feel like he played a great game. I think he was very productive and put us in a good situation. Every day, every Sunday, you’ve got to give the best you can.”
(Did you have a chance to catch the Red River Rivalry and if so, did the outcome of the game impact your performance this past Sunday?) – “No, I watched the beginning or the starting quarter or whatnot and ended up taking a nap or whatever. I know it was a great game and I watched the highlights. It was tough and it was tight. That’s always the biggest game of the year for the Longhorns until we make it any further, so it was a good game. It’s tough to see them lose that way but I think they’ll be able to use that as an advantage in the end.”
(In the first play of the game on offense you have you, OL Austin Jackson, T Kendall Lamm, like we talked about earlier, downfield blocking about eight yards up the field as RB De’Von Achane is just getting to the line of scrimmage. Take me through that play and what went into that.) – “I think we ran it against the Chargers too. It’s just the same approach. I mean, just being able to get on the second level, being able to be aggressive. Just getting on the second level, running and being able to try to match our speed on the outside.”
(And how much is just athleticism from this o-line really highlighted?) – “I think it highlights very well. I think that’s our niche is that that we’re strong, we’re sturdy, that we can pass protect. At the same time, we can get into space and run and we can maul people when need be. Just tell me when, tell me where.”
(This is the first homestand of the season. How has it been adjusting to not having to prepare to go on the road, but being able to stay home and prepare for another game at home?) – “I mean, every week I’d say is the same approach. Being in this for six years now, that’s what you learn is the professionalism of it of just every week and every day is the same approach. Obviously it is nice Saturday being able to sit at home and take a nap in my own bed or whatnot. Then being able to have a homefield advantage with our fans and the crowd, I mean, it’s a different environment, it’s a different pace and I think it matches our offense and who we are and who we are as a team very well. So, I’m excited.”
(The quality of play that OL Robert Hunt is giving your group, how would you describe the level he’s at?) – “I mean, he’s obviously playing the best football he has. He’s a great player. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great leader and he’s day-by-day bringing it and just getting better and climbing.”
