April 11, 2011
J.J. Williams joins teammates Craig Wilkins and Michael Williams as the top linebackers in the Monarch system, a position head coach Bobby Wilder is looking to establish more proven depth at.
After redshirting his first season at ODU in 2009, Williams went on to start eight games in the secondary, totaling 41 tackles along with three QB hurries and a fumble recovery against future CAA opponent Georgia State last season.
Q: How did redshirting your first year at ODU help you?
A: Academically, it has allowed me to be able to graduate with a double major in sociology and criminology. Football wise, it helped me learn the new schemes. I was able to listen to the coaching staff my first year, learn from what my teammates did right and wrong on the field, and soak in everything I needed to know. I didn't look forward to redshirting, but once I looked down the road, I realized I was going to be able to play in the CAA my senior year.
Q: How do you feel you've seen the team improve since last fall?
A: I feel like we're more understanding of what each role is on the team. We are thinking a lot faster, which is helping us play a lot faster out there.
Q: What's the biggest challenge you see facing the Monarchs come this fall?
A: At the end of fall camp last year, we had a lot of injuries. I feel really confident about next season as long as we can stay injury free. As long as we keep playing smart out there and taking care of each other, we should be okay.
Q: Heading into 2011 as a senior, how do you see yourself helping the underclassman in the program?
A: I'm not much of a vocal leader, but when I'm out there on the field, I try to lead by example. I try to do everything right throughout the day - coming in early, leaving late, if a teammate and I aren't on the same page, I like to stay after and try to explain what I see and maybe they can give me some insight on what they see.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a Monarch?
A: There's a lot of them. However, when we played Georgia State last season in our homecoming game, I got to play against one of my junior college teammates who transferred down there.
Q: What is your favorite Coach Wilder saying?
A: It would probably have to be "Why don't we have a rep yet?"
Q: What does Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) mean to you?
A: It means just staying positive. On the football field, if something bad happens, you have to look to the next play. Say we give up a 20-yard run, we have to say `alright, we've got to stop them now or get a turnover and get the ball back to our offense' and stay in a positive mental attitude all the time. Off the field, it means waking up feeling good. If you wake up feeling good, you'll be able to get things done.
Q: What are your goals for this spring?
A: To make the Dean's List. Also, to maintain a good impression on the coaches that I will be their starter for the next fall season.
Q: What would you like to do after you graduate?
A: Both my parents work for the government and I'm looking at possibly a security job, similar to what my dad does near Andrews Air Force Base. He sees the president all the time.
Q: With your parents working for the government, how many different places have you lived?
A: I was born in Colorado Springs and lived in Florida, England, Japan, Texas, and ended up in Kansas for my last three years of high school and a year and a half of junior college.
Q: What is one of your favorite spots to go in Hampton Roads?:
A: Definitely going to the beach.
Q: Away from the field, what can we catch you doing?
A: Probably watching Netflixs. I also play a lot of video games, although not as much during football. Its mainly a summer thing.
Q: What is your favorite NFL Team?
Dallas Cowboys