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Editor's note: NBC Sports Bay Area will dive deep into the list of top NFL defensive prospects that the 49ers could choose in second place or the Raiders in the fourth. This is the first in a series of stories about former Alabama defensive forward Quinnen Williams. to the project.
NEWBURY PARK – Quinnen Williams has a Twitter app on his iPhone and is not afraid to use it. Same thing for Instagram these days.
The former Alabama defensive lineman does not show much on social media, but he sweeps enough to hear the excitement surrounding his NFL draft.
It's hard to criticize such a nice man outside the field and dominating in the trenches. It's hard to criticize a popular talent and a top-five pick from the consensus, but Williams' detractors exist in the darkest corners of social media.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban calls the chatter "rat poison" that will hurt you if you let him. Williams considers this a guilty pleasure. Birmingham native, aged 21, hears good and bad, but nothing sticks.
Spend time with Williams and you'll understand why: this child's trust is unwavering. The same is true of his desire to improve, no matter what you say.
"I see it, I'm listening because I'm so rocked by social media," Williams said this week at an exclusive session with NBC Sports Bay Area, at Kobe Bryant Sports Training Academy. "I enjoy sometimes, but I know it does not mean anything, it's like watching a movie, you know that most things in a movie are not real, but you still like to watch them.
"That's how I look at drafts and all media discussions, nothing that has been said will stop me from working hard."
Alabama DT Quinnen Williams barely played last year. Now he is easily a top 5 pick and a potential Raiders option. "I was just worried about seeing the start of training this summer. It's crazy to think of everything that has happened since. pic.twitter.com/UGU16sGne0
– Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) January 5, 2019
People tell Williams how good he is these days, how much he will be drafted – most think he will not get to the Raiders in 4th place – and how great he will be. at the next level, but his ego remains firmly in check.
"I know I'm a huge potential candidate and this and that, but if I let that go in my head and not train or focus, other guys who work harder will get me to side, "said Williams. "… You can not let win or the status give you a big head. It's like that we get beaten. "
Mike Mayock closely monitors the defensive lines of St Quinnen Williams, Alabama pic.twitter.com/fj0O8ZxTaf
– Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) January 8, 2019
Williams knows very well how he got here, working hard in the manner of Alabama. He is not ready to drop everything now just because he is enjoying life in the LA region for the NFL Lightning next week.
Of course, he went to Malibu and dived one foot in the Pacific. He made an appearance in the NFL Network and met with Western personalities, but did not sacrifice his work for a minute of pleasure.
Williams is here in paradise and believes to be better for the experience. In recent times, he has worked with talented players, trying to match their stats and their time in the combined. If he can follow them athletically, Williams should be on top of his group of positions.
He played last season's breakthrough at 295 pounds – he put on weight quickly after going from the defensive side to the tackle – and was considered slippery against fear. He is trying to become an agile but imposing force on the defensive line.
"At the moment, I feel like I'm a better player than I came into this process," Williams said. "I lost a lot of body fat. I am toned, stronger and faster because I am leaner. I focus on the body mass and body of Aaron Donald. "
It was called a 300 pound soap bar last year. This might not be suitable anymore.
"I'm a muscle ball of 302 pounds now."
A more technically competent at that. Williams is not just studying for hands-on tests. He is looking for weak spots that he has identified through self-screening.
"I already know what my weaknesses are," said Wiliams. "I do not need others to tell me that. I know that NFL scouts and coaches can see and report them, and I'm doing everything I can to reinforce those weaknesses. I do not go into negativity. It's not me. "
Williams and other NFL potential candidates are looking to show some progress at next week's competition, a weekly interview with individual sports tests, medical exams and a meeting after the NFL team.
[RELATED: Quinnen Williams reveals what he’ll buy with first NFL paycheck]
It's a grueling journey for potential candidates, but Williams has no worries. He lives stress-free and stress-free these days, absorbing every moment of this pre-project process with confidence, the hard work he will do will help to make his dream come true.
"I like that." I love all of that, said Williams, "I'm really confident in what I do. I love football. It's my life and this since age." This is all I know … Working with coach Saban and … all these D-line gurus, it made me fall in love with the game.
"Now, I'm going to have the chance to go to the NFL, a place I've been dreaming of since the age of 5 or 6. I meet people I've admired and I play against I honestly can not wait. "
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