April 7, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Sometimes the best leaders are the ones who quietly go about their business on the football field, but do it with a consistent workmanlike approach to set an example for those around them.
It wasn't too long ago Trevor Williams was catching 10 passes for the Nittany Lion offense during the 2012 season. Shifting from receiver to corner during the spring of 2013, the rising senior is now the elder statesman of talented group of cornerbacks on the Penn State defense.
Williams faced his share of adversity during the switch to the defensive backfield, even battling to regain a starting spot after the 2013 season. But that's ancient history now, and the Baltimore product is looking to build on the most consistent season of his career, one in which he started 12 games for Penn State's Top 10 defense in 2014.
If spring practice is an indicator, Williams is a prime candidate to take his game to the next level in the fall.
"There has definitely been a lot of progress," Williams said. "Our chemistry is a lot stronger. Coach Smith has done a great job helping us out in the cornerback room. And Coach Shoop puts us in positions to be successful. I just think the 2015 year will be a strong year for us."
Shoop repeatedly said last fall that when you watched Williams on film during practice or in a game, he was as consistent as anyone on the roster.
"I've really tried to focus on the small details, and I really think that has helped me be consistent," Williams said. "The mindset is to make more plays for the defense because big plays on defense helps the offense."
The step Williams has taken on the field this spring began in the weight room during the winter. The former Calvert Hall standout added 10 pounds of muscle, increasing his speed, quickness and strength. It hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates.
"Trevor has gotten a lot better," wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton said. "Going against Trevor and Grant (Haley), you can tell this is becoming a solid defensive back corps at the corner position."
Williams returns as Penn State's most experienced player at corner after Jordan Lucas moved to safety. The senior is ready to lead a group with no shortage of young talent.
"You don't make that move unless you feel good about the young corners," Franklin said. "So having a Christian Campbell, having a Grant Haley (is important). Trevor's playing at a really high level."
Like the entire Nittany Lion defense, Williams and the young corners want to prove that the 2015 secondary can compete at what Coach Shoop calls championship level. That starts with setting the tone during spring practice.
"It's a lot of energy. It's a lot of intensity," Williams said. "Every day, we challenge one another to get better. We want to fly around, make plays and get turnovers."
The Nittany Lions will practice for the 10th time this spring on Wednesday.