DETROIT LIONS SELECT LB ANTWIONE WILLIAMS WITH THEIR FIFTH-ROUND PICK (169th OVERALL) OF THE 2016 NFL DRAFT

Detroit Lions LB Antwione Williams was available to media via conference call following the team’s fifth-round selection.

LIONS LB ANTWIONE WILLIAMS CONFERENCE CALL
On what his day has been like and if he was surprised that the Lions called: “My day has been good. Woke up pretty early, just get the juices going, ready for the draft. Just tried to stay occupied as much as possible. I mean, as the draft was going on, had it on, had the phone close and then I was helping around the house. I was actually installing a dishwasher at the time when they called, when Detroit called. I stopped what I was doing and answered the phone and I was just excited. I love the opportunity to be a Detroit Lion, it’s exciting.”

On why he was installing a dishwasher and how handy he is: “Our dishwasher gave out on us like a couple months ago. So, my parents actually bought another one today, so I was just in the house helping my dad ground it and put the connections back in. So, I guess I’m pretty handy.”

On how he learned to install a dishwasher: “I mean, they have instructions, so you just read them.”

On how much contact he had with the Lions through the pre-draft process: “I met with the Lions at the East-West game and I felt like that was a great opportunity. I made the most of the opportunity and I was in contact with them. It is what it is, I mean, I was expecting whichever team that drafted me to really want me and I’m glad the Detroit Lions is that team.”

On if he took a visit to the Lions: “Oh, yeah. I did.”

On if he played inside or outside linebacker in college: “I feel like I’m pretty versatile. I feel like I can do it all. I mean, whatever position they need me I feel I have the ability to play it. So, I’m excited.”

On how he would describe himself as a player: “Georgia Southern is blue-collar and it’s hard-nosed football. I mean, if you watch any of my film, we’re flying out to the ball, sideline to sideline. Just flying out to the ball and hitting people real hard, I feel like that’s something I can do really well. I’m a very versatile player and I’m excited to show you guys what we can do down there in Georgia.”

On what type of position he expects to play: “Whatever Coach (Bill) Sheridan feels like is the best position for me. I feel like I can make myself prepared for whichever position he sees. I want to know the defense as well as I can and be ready and be prepared whenever my number is called.”

On which spots he played in college: “Oh, I played all linebacker positions – inside, outside. I’m well-versed in multiple positions.”

On if he played SAM: “Yes sir, I played SAM. We played a 4-3 defense, so I played a lot of that stuff. So, I mean, I’m very, very comfortable doing it.”

On how much he is looking forward to potentially tackling Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon again: “That’s my boy. He texted me about it too, he said he’s going to get to see me twice a year. I told him I’m excited. So, I can’t wait to see my boy, Jerick, even if we’re against each other.”

On if he graduated with a degree in psychology: “Yes sir, I did.”

On why he picked that major: “Psychology was a pretty good field choice for me. I took the intro class and I really liked it. I just kind of made my way through college with psychology. I got more and more into it and the classes and everything and hopefully at some point I’ll get my masters in it. So, I actually enjoyed it a lot.”

On going by Antwione instead of Leander: “Me, my dad and my brother, we all have the same first name, so it was kind of just my way to differentiate myself between all of them. My dad goes by Leander, so me and my brother go by our middle names. It’s just kind of what I do.”

On if he and his brother are both named Leander Williams: “Yes.”

On if that was confusing growing up: “No, because we always went by our middle names. He was the younger brother, so, I mean, for the most part everywhere I went I just told everybody to call me Antwione. So, it wasn’t really too confusing.”

On his brother’s middle name: “Marquis, he’s my younger brother.”

On what other handy tasks he can do around the house: “I’ve done a lot. I’ve fixed roofs before, worked in a garden, I’ve done a lot growing up. I’ve had a pretty – I mean, I’m a southern boy, so I’ve done a little bit of everything. So, I’m kind of well-versed in stuff.”