Big Cat: 'I'm in the Best Football Shape of My Life'

gmf1369 · Jul 30, 2017

[h=3]After Spending Summer MMA Training, Williams Enters Camp Ready to Lead[/h] Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams told reporters after Saturday's practice that he’s in the best football shape of his life.

“I was training over the offseason at an MMA place called Empowered in San Francisco,” Williams said. “It definitely got me really in shape. My coach kept telling me there’s a difference between being in shape and being in fight shape, and I definitely noticed it.”

While the 6’5”, 302-pounder isn’t climbing into the octagon any time soon, the USC product hopes the training will lead to more victories in the trenches.

“It just helped me on body movement and control,” he said. “We touched weights here and there, but we focused on maximizing how we use our bodies. When we’re on the field, we don’t have weights. We have our bodies and that’s what we’re really focused on.”

Williams led the Jets with 7.0 sacks last year and made his first Pro Bowl appearance. But Big Cat isn’t focusing on individual statistics.

“I’m not really focused on self-accolades besides how much I can do for my teammates,” he said. “I’m expecting the same thing out of my teammates, too, and how much they can give to the team. I’m really focused on what we can do together because I’m not on the field by myself. There’s 10 other people and they help me do my job. I’m going to try to help them do theirs.”

Williams is continuing to grow into a leadership role on both the defense and the team as he’s entering his third season.

“I feel more comfortable with my teammates and coaches,” he said. “I just feel comfortable to be myself and step into my role. My role is being a good teammate, bringing everybody up and making everyone the best they can be. If everyone can be comfortable, then we’ll be a good team.”

jetgreen13 · Jul 31, 2017

seems to be a great kid that takes his craft very seriously..

oh yeah, he's already started to live up to his all world talent in year two..

he's also top dog on one of the more talented (notice i didn't say best) DLs in the league..

jets82 · Jul 31, 2017

Like this kid a lot and seems like he is ready to be even better then he's been the past two years and those years were excellent. With that said, hopefully he can stay healthy and I guess we're looking at atleast 15 sacks, another 15-20 QBs hurries, 10-15 QB knockdowns, 10-15 batted balls, 5 ints, 10 forced fumbles (not just QBs) and about 75 tackles. Sounds like a defensive player of the year candidate to me.

Note: numbers like this and the Jets will probably win 3-4 more games then what they were supposed to.

jetgreen13 · Jul 31, 2017

jets82 said:
Like this kid a lot and seems like he is ready to be even better then he's been the past two years and those years were excellent. With that said, hopefully he can stay healthy and I guess we're looking at atleast 15 sacks, another 15-20 QBs hurries, 10-15 QB knockdowns, 10-15 batted balls, 5 ints, 10 forced fumbles (not just QBs) and about 75 tackles. Sounds like a defensive player of the year candidate to me.

Note: numbers like this and the Jets will probably win 3-4 more games then what they were supposed to.

...are you being serious??

jets82 · Jul 31, 2017

jetgreen13 said:
...are you being serious??

Dream big or don't dream at all, Lol

NCgreen12 · Jul 31, 2017

Great defensive lineman are usually measured by sacks and pressures (most important), stopping the run and and how many times they need to be double teamed. Not sure Leonard has played to the highest level on a consistent basis yet but what we need most from him is getting to the other teams QB. If Wilkerson can play back to his 2015 level and Leonard can step up his game along with Richardson in a contract year the line should do some damage.

Mainejet · Aug 4, 2017

jetgreen13 said:
...are you being serious??

I don't know about the win total difference he makes, but the very lofty numbers he predicts in regards to his play are attainable for him. He really is a very special and rare talent.

jetgreen13 · Aug 4, 2017

Mainejet said:
I don't know about the win total difference he makes, but the very lofty numbers he predicts in regards to his play are attainable for him. He really is a very special and rare talent.

no argument from me..

just pointing out 82 has the kid possibly putting up watt numbers.. hell, 5 INTs in a season is respectable for a DB.. i'm not sure i'm ready to put the kid in that class yet.. we'll see..

jets82 · Aug 5, 2017

jetgreen13 said:
no argument from me..

just pointing out 82 has the kid possibly putting up watt numbers.. hell, 5 INTs in a season is respectable for a DB.. i'm not sure i'm ready to put the kid in that class yet.. we'll see..

Ok so maybe the ints is abit far fetched but he can obtain the other numbers. Seriously speaking, this kid Williams is special all around and sky's is the limit for him. He may not be a Watt type talent but he can impact the game close enough. I think Williams, Adams, Lee (maybe) and Burris (maybe) can be a nucleus of terror at the each position on defense for years to come. With Williams and Adams leading the way.

Side note: I was one of the people against the Williams pick, if you remember??? Not that I doubted his talent, potential or worth at all but I didn't think we needed another 300 pound Dlinemen. Well he's proving me wrong in all fashions and I'm very happy to say that.

Big Cat: 'I'm in the Best Football Shape of My Life'

gmf1369

Jack of All Trades

jetgreen13

founding JFU member..

jets82

Curious George

jetgreen13

founding JFU member..

jets82

Curious George

NCgreen12

Pro Bowl Alternate

Mainejet

Guest

jetgreen13

founding JFU member..

jets82

Curious George