10/27/03

Q&A with Mike Williams

Talk about your performance against Baylor.
It was basically time for me to show what I can do and just play hard. I feel like anytime you step on the field, you've got to play hard, that's what I tried to do, and I just made plays. I credit the defense for helping me.

What was your mood leading into your first start?
I really wasn't nervous or anxious, because I've been here for a year, and I've seen leadership and what it takes to start and finish a game. I was basically just trying to worry about my assignments and containing and maintaining and trying to help the defense. I put in my mind that I had to do whatever it took to help the team, and that's what I tried to do.

How did you do maintaining your energy with the extended playing time?
It's different getting a lot of reps. You kind of have to balance and pace yourself, but you have a feeling that you have to just go and play. You can't worry about the calls because you'll lose energy, you just have to go and play.

Did your mentality change in practice this week with the idea of starting?
I just tried to go full speed and make it as real as it could be building up toward the game. That's basically what I did, and watch film and things like that. As far as my wind, I think I was ready for that.

How did you feel switching positions from linebacker to defensive end?
I feel like I've matured as a football player switching from linebacker to end, because I feel like my body is getting bigger for a defensive end. It's been a good change and my teammates have helped me as much as they could -- keeping me positive and just working with me every day and trying to make me better.

When was the last time you filled up a stat sheet like you did versus Baylor?
I had a game like that against Forney in high school. I think I had three touchdowns receiving and four sacks in that game. It was a great feeling to get out there Saturday and make plays again.

What are some things you like to do off the field?
I like to play video games with my roommate, Aaron Harris, but we basically just chill out. I like to listen to blues, like Johnny Taylor, and just hang out and get my mind together. Sometimes, I just meditate listening to the music and sit in my room and think about things I need to do.

What are some artists that you like in the blues?
Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Womack, B.B King, those are basically who I listen to.

Do you ever get to see any live music in Austin?
I haven't. I was supposed to go to a concert, a John Mayer concert, but I didn't get a chance to. If I get a chance, I probably would.

What do you do before games in the locker room?
I listen to blues and different music to pep you up, but I don't really try to get the music to get me pumped up, I just try to just go with it and focus on what I need to do, blues and a little bit of rap.