Senior defensive lineman Jesse Williams has grabbed headlines this season, anchoring the defensive line for the Alabama defense just a year removed from playing defensive end. But while his play at nose tackle has garnered him numerous All-American and awards watch lists halfway through the season, it’s his transition to fullback that has had teams turning heads.
Since running back and primary fullback Jalston Fowler went down with an injury in week 2, Williams has been increasingly used as a lead blocker on the goal line. So, naturally, after a taste of playing on the offensive side of the ball, the 6-foot-4, 320 pound lineman only has one thing on his mind when asked about playing fullback.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s going to get a lot [more fun] if they give me a chance and let me grab the ball,” he said. “But that looks doubtful, so I’ll just keep blocking for now.”
And even though he is content to keep blocking and doing whatever the coaches ask of him, Williams still makes a habit at practice to let the coaches know he is a ready option on offense.
“I tell them every day, every time I see the coaches, that my hands are ready for the ball,” Williams said.
Being a former rugby player back in Australia, he said he would have an easy time taking the next step as an option on the goal line. But not all of his teammates are as optimistic as Williams on his potential offensive skill set.
“Oh god,” offensive lineman Anthony Steen said. “I doubt that. I definitely don’t see that happening.”
If William’s did manage to get his number called on the goal line, running back Eddie Lacy is convinced the play would be memorable.
“If that were to happen, I think he would do something funny,” Lacy said. “I don’t know what it would be, because he thinks different, but it would be funny.”
Future receiving opportunities aside, Williams blocking ability at the goal line has been a major boost for the Crimson Tide’s run game that averages 219 yards a game, the second best in the SEC.
Fullback isn’t a surprising transition for the defensive lineman. Like his job at nose tackle, the fullback’s main job is to take on the opposing lineman and clear the way for the players behind him. The running backs on the team, especially, appreciate having the man who made headlines bench pressing 600 pounds leading the way for them.
“It’s good because the whole defense just sucks into him,” Lacy said. “So, we basically get to score a lot of times without getting hit.”
“Shoot, I love it. I know I can always count on him to open the hole for us,” Steen said.
To go along with his season of transition, Williams decided over the weekend to shave his signature mohawk. Maybe now that he has a clean-shaven head, he will have his chance at getting the ball in his hands. But for now, we should continue to expect the colossal defensive lineman to bulldoze holes into opposing defensive lines.
