Syracuse Football: LB Lakiem Williams has finally come into his own

Syracuse football found a gem on the JUCO market in LB Lakiem Williams. Here’s how he has come into his own in 2019 for the Orange.

One of the biggest question marks heading into the 2019 season revolved around the linebacking position for the Syracuse football squad.

For the third straight year, the Orange were being forced to replace their entire group of starters. In 2017 they had Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett. In 2018 they had Ryan Guthrie, Kielan Whitner. Now, this season they continued the veteran route and went with Lakiem Williams, Andrew Armstrong.

Lakiem Williams came over as a JUCO transfer from Butte College. After learning the system in 2018 he has exploded on the scene this season.

After the Western Michigan game, Lakiem sat down with us for a few minutes to talk about the team, his impact, and his overall journey.

After making the interview request, Lakiem Williams walked over with a Chick-fil-A box under his right arm and a big grin across his face. Lakiem possesses an obvious zest for life and an infectious smile and was ready for the conversation.

After an emotional game vs the Clemson Tigers in Week 3, how did you guys get yourselves ready for the rest of the season?

"“We just kept the mentality that the next game is going to be our game as long as everyone does their job. It’s about trusting the process and knowing this is a marathon, not a sprint, it’s a long season. We just decided to come out ready to go.”"

Last season you didn’t have the impact that you were hoping for, what’s been different for you this season?

"“Just getting on the field and staying there. If they want me off the field they’re going to have to drag me off of it. Last year I was just trying to find myself. This year I’m just so comfortable with myself, my teammates, and this team.”"

Syracuse has had a ton of different linebackers over the years with different skillsets, what do you bring to the table?

"“Just being the man. I’m usually lined up in the middle of the field going sideline to sideline. If you throw the ball I’m going to be there, if you run the ball I’m going to be there. I bring a ton to the table and my energy is infectious to the rest of my teammates. It just feels like I’ve put all the pieces together this year.”"

When you didn’t get to play much last season, what were you able to learn from Ryan Guthrie and Kielan Whitner?

"“They taught me a lot man. How to mentally prepare for each game. How to read my keys and understand my assignment. Now I can go out there without thinking to use my speed and size to the best of my ability. Without them I was just running around not knowing what I was doing and now I feel like I’m out there as a complete player in body and spirit.”"

Not every player goes through the JUCO process, what was it like and what’s your biggest takeaway?

"“To be here at Syracuse is a blessing and a dream come true. Coming from junior college eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to ramen and now we have our own cafeteria where I can just get food whenever I need it is really cool.”"

What’s the identity of this defense in 2019?

"“We’re a team that is a force to be reckoned with. We’re a great team both offensively, defensively, and on special teams. Once we get all these pieces clicking there is no one that’ll be able to stop us.”"

During the offseason Dino Babers has been very adamant that the defense would be the No. 1 strength of this football team, what do you make of him saying that and how does that make you guys feel?

"“We a bunch of dogs out on defense. We practice and play hard and challenge the offense to be better. Yeah I mean Dino Babers is right, we’re the strength of this team.”"

No one ever gets credit for doing work on special teams, despite that it seems like it’s something you pride yourself on?

"“I have a ton of pride in everything I do. I’m athletic I can run and that fits well on special teams. I never take a play off and I never will. If you put me out on the field, I’m going to do what I need to do and more. Special teams were my gateway to get onto the field and I’ll never forget that. I begged the coaches to keep me out there this year even when I got my starting defensive reps.”"