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Williams, defense tackle Tresey’s weightier scheme
By Joe Scalzo
YOUNGSTOWN
This offseason, Youngstown State sophomore linebacker Travis Williams had a three-step plan for improvement.
Open mouth.
Insert food.
Repeat steps 1 and 2.
“Coaches said I got to gain weight, so that’s what I’ve got to do,” said Williams (6-3, 220), who is just five pounds above his listed weight from last fall but looks noticeably thicker. “That’s what I’m still doing.”
Sounds likes more fun than losing weight, right?
“Nah, losing weight is pretty easy,” he said. “When you get tired of eating, you just got to keep your mouth going. Stuff it.”
Williams, a transfer from Miami (Fla.), was the only linebacker to start all 11 games last fall, recording 58 tackles to make the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s all-newcomer team.
While sophomore linebacker Davion Rogers left the team following the season, sophomore linebacker Teven Williams (eight starts) is back and the two Williams are expected to lead a much-improved defense this fall under new coordinator Joe Tresey.
“We’re doing great,” Williams said. “Everybody is picking up the [new scheme] and everybody is enthusiastic about what we’re learning.
“Tresey’s system asks for a lot more, based on knowing what you’ve got to do, knowing everybody’s spot and just staying focused and playing with urgency.”
Wide receiver Christian Bryan said he’s already noticed a difference in YSU’s defense — particularly in the different coverages — after just a few practices.
“Last year, we knew what they were doing every play,” Bryan said. “Now, I’m having to go, ‘All right, are they rolling to Cover 4, Cover 3? Are they in 4? Are they in 2?
“It’s a lot different than last year.”
YSU coach Eric Wolford said Williams looks more comfortable this spring, thinking less and reacting more.
“He can play fast now,” Wolford said. “I think as he continues to grow and fill out, he can be pretty salty.”
While losing Rogers hurt — his rangy frame and athleticism allowed him to cover slot receivers and tight ends in space — YSU has plenty of depth and talent at that unit. Juniors Dom Rich and Ali Cheaib, sophomore Dubem Nwadiogbu and freshman Terry Johnson are all expected to push for playing time, Wolford said.
“Right now, I’m pretty happy with the linebackers so far,” Wolford said. “They’re grasping a completely new system and I’m really encouraged by what I see over there.”