The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. You submit the questions and then we pass them on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
Hoping to address lack of depth at the defensive end position, Ohio State extended a late offer to Pickerington North three-star Alex Williams and flipped him from West Virginia during the Early Signing Period.
The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Williams didn't make a huge impact with the Panthers as an underclassmen, but rededicated himself to the film and weight rooms last summer. He finished his senior season with 38 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks, and was named honorable mention All-Ohio as a result.
Williams will graduate in the spring and enroll in classes this June. But first, he took some time away from his busy schedule to sit down and talk with our readers about his decision to flip from the Mountaineers, the opportunity to play for defensive line coach Larry Johnson and much more in the 11W Community Interview.
What does it mean to you to play your college ball so close to home? - KBonay
AW: “Playing the sport that made me who I am in front of my family, friends and all who supported me throughout my 13 seasons of football is a dream that I just have to let develop and be nothing but thankful for.”
What was the biggest factor in your decision to flip from West Virginia? - LW O-H
AW: “The largest factor — besides the most obvious ones — is the hands I’m being put into with Larry Johnson and Ohio State’s strength staff. Iron sharpens iron, and that’s what I’m getting playing for this program. You don’t say no to such an opportunity.”
What are some of your goals — on and off — the field at Ohio State? - Hovenaut
AW: “Goals I would love to achieve are first getting my degree for my mother, father and grandparents. Also becoming a role model to others and a complete leader on and off the field. Within football, I want to be a captain and be a part of a national championship. The largest goal I have is being a part of beating The Team Up North for all four years of my college career.”
Who or what has been the biggest motivation in your life so far? - WezBuck28
AW: “My biggest motivation has been my father. You won’t meet a better man in my eyes. Period. My mother, as well. She is the only reason I am where I am. Another motivation is my own self. I want to be a better man every day. That’s the goal.”
What's the best pizza in Columbus? - SoulPatrol32
AW: “I am not much of a pizza guy at all. I love Chipotle... if that counts?”
Which player have you watched the most tape on to improve your game or who do you model your game after? - Seattle Linga
AW: “The most tape I’ve watched on a player besides myself is [Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle] Aaron Donald. I would watch his highlights hundreds of times throughout my senior season. Some players I model myself after are longer players such as [San Francisco 49ers defensive end] Deforest Buckner and [North Carolina State defensive end] Bradley Chubb. His energy is unreal, I love it. My by far favorite player is [Cleveland Browns defensive end] Myles Garrett.”
What’s your favorite NFL team? - Stxbuck
AW: “I am a die-hard Steelers fan. Born and raised one. Big Cam Heyward is such a great person in my eyes.”
What sets Larry Johnson apart from the other defensive line coaches that recruited you? - SCarolinaBuckeye
AW: “Everything separates Coach L.J. I honestly can tell you there isn’t anyone close to his stature. At all. I haven’t touched the field and I already feel like a better player under the minor coaching I’ve had. He’s almost not human. It’s hard to explain. A real perfectionist.”
What is your favorite television show? - ApologizeToMelo5
AW: “My favorite TV show is Dragon Ball Z. Been a very serious fan since I was a child.”
