Max Williams ready to ‘move on to bigger things’ as USC’s new secondary takes shape

This was Max Williams’ dream. Now the redshirt senior is ready to chase a new one.

USC’s stalwart safety announced his intention to declare for the NFL draft Friday as the Trojans continued preparation for the Holiday Bowl on Wednesday. Because of injuries and the pandemic, Williams had eligibility for a sixth season, but he never thought he would be a 24-year-old in college.

So “I gotta move on to bigger things,” Williams said Friday.

“I felt like I’ve gave my all to this university for the five years I’ve been here,” he added. “I’ve overcame a lot, I’ve played through a lot. It was always a dream coming to USC, being a Trojan.”

Read more: Lincoln Riley praises recruiting class featuring ‘large human beings’ to bolster USC

The former Serra High star will play his last game in a USC jersey Wednesday in San Diego’s Petco Park against No. 15 Louisville. The bowl game will put the finishing touches on a season — or a career for players such as Williams — while also serving as an unofficial tryout for players returning, especially on defense, where the Trojans are retooling the coaching staff and player personnel.

“With the situation being what it is here, I think it ultimately is a test of who you are,” safety Jaylin Smith said.

With Williams leaving, the Trojans will have to replace at least three of their starting five defensive backs. The competition will set a foundation for the future of USC’s defense under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

While assessing the defense, which was in desperate need of a reset after one of the program’s worst statistical seasons, coach Lincoln Riley identified defensive line and secondary as two areas of focus for the early signing period that opened Wednesday. The Trojans addressed the defensive front by signing six players, led by edge rusher Kameryn…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/max-williams-ready-move-bigger-023348437.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2023-12-23 02:33:48

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