ODUSports.com reports daily on Old Dominion football practice and one of the features will be a Q&A with a student-athlete. Today's Q&A is with junior linebacker, Shadow Williams.
Q: Why did you choose Old Dominion?
A: I came here on my official visit, and I fell in love with the place. The defense they run here is similar to the defense we ran at my junior college. I clicked really well with the coaches, so I decided this would be a great place to pursue what I want to do with my life.
Q: What is your major?
A: I am a geography major.
Q: When did you start playing football?
A: I started playing football when I was six years old. That was my first year of pads.
Q: Have you always played linebacker?
A: Yes, I have always played linebacker. I am a real contact guy, so I have always loved to play linebacker.
Q: You came to ODU from out west in Arizona. What are some of the differences you’ve seen so far?
A: Honestly, there haven’t been too many differences so far. The speed is still the same, and every guy was one of the best guys at their high school. The weather is different, though. I am still trying to get used to the humidity out here. Arizona is more of a dry heat and not as humid. I am just trying to get my body acclimated to the climate here.
Q: When did you realize you could/wanted to play at the next level?
A: I have always dreamed about playing at the next level ever since I was in the youth Pop Warner football leagues. I was one of the best players on my high school team, so I decided this was what I wanted to do.
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
A: I played football and AAU baseball too. Those were always my two sports growing up.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My parents are my role models. My mom and my dad have been through a lot, so they have molded me into the man I am today.
Q: Favorite food?
A: My mom’s spaghetti is my favorite food. You can’t beat it.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: My favorite movie would be Remember the Titans.
Q: Favorite music artist?
A: I have to go with Lil Wayne. He is a legend.
Q: What’s on your iPod?
A: I have a lot of Fetty Wap, Lil Wayne, and some Wiz Khalifa. That is me right there.
Q: Favorite NFL team?
A: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I’m originally from Tampa Bay. 813 all day, baby.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I can juggle. That’s something not many people know about me.
Q: Favorite athlete?
A: My favorite athlete would have to be Ray Lewis. He is a legend.
Q: One place you want to travel to?
A: I would have to say Spain. There are beautiful women out there, so that would be nice.
Q: Favorite part of gameday?
A: It has to be walking out of the tunnel and hearing the band play. When you hear the band play, you know it’s time to get popping.
Q: Famous person you hope to meet?
A: I would have to go with Lil Wayne, again. I would love to meet Lil Wayne. That’s my dude right there.
Q: Pregame rituals?
A: I just listen to my iPod and get zoned in. I listen to music, and I go out there and make it happen.
Q: Favorite actor/actress?
A: Denzel Washington. Denzel is smooth. He’s got that swag.
Q: Is Shadow your real name or a nickname?
A: It’s my real name. It’s my birth name. My dad’s name is Cliff, and a lot of people wanted me to be named Cliff Jr. But he wanted me to be a shadow of who he was as a man so he named me Shadow.