USC football countdown to kickoff continues—Leonard Williams in focus
The countdown to USC's 2025 football season is officially on! The Trojans kick off their new campaign 94 days from today. You need something to help you while away the days and hours in the spring and summer. This is one way to do so. In this new series, countdown to kickoff, we will be counting down the days by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number. Today, we take a look back at one of the all-time great USC defensive linemen, Leonard Williams.
Position: Defensive lineman
Years played at USC: 2012-1014
Career highlights: Williams was a dominant force on the defensive line during his time at USC. In three seasons, he recorded 218 tackles, 21 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. In both 2013 and 2014, he was named a first-team All-American.
After USC: Williams declared for the 2015 NFL draft, where he was selected sixth overall by the New York Jets. Now entering his 11th season in the league, Williams has spent time with the Jets, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks, for whom he currently plays. Last season with Seattle, he was named to his second career Pro Bowl, recording 63 tackles, 11 sacks, three passes defended, and his first career pick six.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC Sports
33 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Khalil Mack: Staying with Chargers was less about finances than about winning games
Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack says looking for the most lucrative contract offer wasn't his top priority as free agency approached in March. Mack, who stayed with the Chargers on a one-year, $18 million deal, said he thinks there's more he can accomplish with the Chargers and wants to be part of what they're building. 'I had to be fair in the approach to things and not making it about just finances and all the different things,' Mack said, via ESPN. 'I tried to make it more so just about winning ball games.' The Chargers went 11-6 last season in Jim Harbaugh's first year as head coach, and that has Mack thinking about a bright future in Los Angeles. 'Just not wanting to give up on that goal and that ambition that I have ever since I stepped into the league,' Mack said. 'I knew I wanted to play in important games and win a Super Bowl.' For all that he has accomplished in his NFL career, Mack has never experienced winning a playoff game. That's something he thinks he can do with the Chargers, and is one of the reasons he's back for another year.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Top Georgia commit Justice Fitzpatrick shuts down his recruitment
Georgia Bulldogs football cornerback commit Justice Fitzpatrick announced that he will be shutting down his recruitment after recently committing to the University of Georgia. Fitzpatrick was expected to take more visits, but those appear to no longer be happening. Fitzpatrick is highly regarded and is ranked as the 47th-best player in the country. He's the third-best cornerback in the class of 2026 and the fifth-best player in Florida. He's close to being ranked as a five-star recruit. Advertisement His commitment is particularly notable due to his connection to NFL All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, his older brother. This familial link likely played a role, as Georgia head coach Kirby Smart previously recruited and coach Minkah Fitzpatrick at Alabama before taking the Georgia job, which fostered a pre-existing relationship. Fitzpatrick had a scheduled official visit to Ohio State this weekend but Georgia quickly moved to make sure that Fitzpatrick is going to solidified in this recruiting class. Expect him to be one of the core players in this class and help Georgia to secure a top three signing class. Georgia has finished with a top three recruiting class every year since 2017. Although Fitzpatrick is shutting down his recruitment, things are never truly over until early signing day in December. Follow UGAWire on Instagram! This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia CB commit shuts down his recruitment, won't take more visits
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Steelers OC Arthur Smith hilariously says they didn't sign Rodgers to 'run the wishbone'
Steelers OC Arthur Smith hilariously says they didn't sign Rodgers to 'run the wishbone' Steelers OC Arthur Smith hinted at some offensive scheme changes coming in 2025. A conflict of offensive interest seemed to be brewing with the signing of Aaron Rodgers — who threw the second-most pass attempts in the NFL last season — fitting with the run-heavy Steelers, who ran the ball the fourth-most often in 2024. At mandatory minicamp, Smith made it very clear that the additions of Rodgers and DK Metcalf will see the ball fly through the air more in Pittsburgh (courtesy of Mike DeFabo): "Obviously, as your roster evolves — we didn't bring Aaron in here and sign DK for all that money to go run the wishbone." The wishbone, a RB-heavy formation once popular in college football, was clearly a sarcastic dig at anyone questioning whether or not the team would commit to the same offensive philosophy with Rodgers and Metcalf — but it appears Steelers fans that love a good passing attack may have their wish granted this season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
