Exclusive Interview
                                                      Marshall Williams

                                  By: Aaron Fischman

 

December 19, 2008 - An Interview with Marshall Williams

Marshall Williams is a sophomore wide receiver for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. With 383 yards receiving and 2 TDs, Williams is making quite an impact in his first season of college football.

Deli contributor Aaron Fischman caught up with Williams as his Demon Deacons prepare to play Navy on Saturday in the EagleBank Bowl. The two teams have met previously this season, with Navy winning 24-17. Williams discusses the significance of revenge heading into the rematch.

Aaron Fischman: How does it feel to contribute so much to the team in your first collegiate season on the playing field?

Marshall Williams: It feels great to be considered a contributor to the team. It makes me want to go out there and work even harder knowing that my teammates depend on me.

AF: What kind of tricks or skills have you learned from senior wide receiver DJ Boldin?

MW: The biggest thing I have learned from DJ is his passion for the game. When I see him expressing his passion after a big play or a crucial time in the game, it instantly evokes that same feeling inside of me.

AF: What makes you such a dangerous deep threat?

MW: I think what makes me such a dangerous deep threat is my size and speed. I believe I have good enough speed to run with all corners, but my size is my defining characteristic. Most corners are not my size so on those deep balls my height gives me a clear advantage.

AF: Alphonso Smith led the team with 6 interceptions along with 2 forced fumbles and a blocked punt. Talk about his defensive contributions and what they mean to the team.

MW: I can do nothing but tip my hat to 'Phonso. Time after time he has made big plays to seal a win for the Deacs. He will be someone who will be greatly missed next year.

AF: Early in the season, against Florida State, the Demon Deacons won a hard-fought battle 12-3. In the game, your kicker, Sam Swank made 4 of 7 field goals. How important was it for Sam to just keep kicking despite the misses?

MW: My confidence in Swank never wavers. He is just someone who is so cool under pressure.

AF: What is it like, as an offensive player, to win a game (like the FSU game) without scoring a single team touchdown? You made a huge 52-yard catch in that game. How did that feel to make such a huge play in a predominantly defensive game?

MW: It's a good feeling to win any game so, however we do it, it's a relief. As an offensive player you feel like you owe the defense one when we win a game like that. However, we are one unit and when one division is not "pulling [its] weight" it is the responsibility of the other sects to compensate to reduce loses, both offensive and defensively.

AF: In a losing effort, you caught 7 passes for 116 yards against North Carolina State. Talk about the mixed emotions that come with a strong individual performance in a team loss.

MW: A good game means nothing without a win. I had a career day against N.C. State but without a win, the pain of losing still settles in your body.

AF: In the EagleBank Bowl, Wake Forest will be taking on Navy for the second time this season. With Navy winning the first match-up 24-17, does it become a revenge game or is it just another bowl game?

MW: This is without a doubt a revenge game. I feel like we played out of character last game, with turnovers and just senseless mistakes. However, I cannot take anything away from Navy. They played a very good game and deserved to win, but this time around we will be better prepared.

AF: How many of Navy’s defensive schemes do you expect to be the same this time around?

MW: I feel like they will do some of the same schemes. Heck, it worked against us. I however know that the Navy coaches are very intelligent coaches who will make adjustments to give them the best chance to win.

AF: Who is most deserving of the Heisman trophy this season?

MW: I believe Sam Bradford without a doubt. What he has done at Oklahoma is nothing short of amazing.

AF: What team do you expect to win the National Championship game between Florida and Oklahoma?

MW: I'm gonna take Oklahoma. If DeMarco Murray comes back, I think [a] running attack is something that Oklahoma has that Florida lacks. Couple that with Sam Bradford, equals a Sooner win.

 

 

 

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