Facing a Penn State offense that has averaged 36 points in the first two games of the season; the Owls will look to slow down a talented Nittany Lions attack on Saturday.
Following an offseason which saw six defensive starters depart, including star linebacker Tyler Matakevich; redshirt-senior linebacker Avery Williams has been the leader on defense in the first two games of the season.
In the season opener against Army, Williams led the way with 12 total tackles,1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. He was the lone playmaker for and Owls defense that was beat up against Army’s potent rushing attack.
After the loss to Army, Williams took credit for the defense’s struggles.
“It was all on me.” Williams said, “Don’t look at anybody else, it was all on me.”
Even though he played well, by taking credit for the loss; Williams is showing the leadership head coach Matt Rhule was looking for.
Coming off of a 2015 season in which Williams registered 49 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss, and an interception; he will look to continue his fine play in the remainder of the season.
Williams played running back early in his freshman season before being moved to linebacker at the end of training camp. He recorded 34 total tackles in 2014, after earning the starting job early in the season.
The Baltimore native, Williams attended Archbishop Curley high school, where he played four positions in his career. He earned all-state honors in his senior season, and scored 30 total touchdowns in his career offensively.
Williams will look to lead Temple’s defense once again heading into Penn State this weekend. As Temple looks to get win number two of the season, look for Williams to have a big impact on the defensive side of the ball.
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