MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football offensive lineman Curtis Williams recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss how he's improved in the offseason, how his time at the junior college level helped him and what some of the strengths that he brings to the offensive line are, among other things.

Williams, a senior from Miami, Fla., transferred to South Alabama from ASA College prior to the 2015 season.  Last season, Williams was a starter in all 12 contests in his first season with the program and graded out at 90 percent or higher in four games.  He also earned a mark of at least 80 percent in 11 of 12 games and recorded a total of 42 knockdown blocks.

What are the biggest challenges for the team this season?
"It starts with the offensive line.  If we can get the ball moving and move the defense around, everything else is going to come together.  Everyone will feed off of us and see the hard work we've put in during the offseason.  If we are able to move the ball better, we will be more efficient."

What are some things the offense needs to do in order to be successful against Georgia Southern?
"I think we need to come out with more energy than we did last season.  We need to use the last game against them as a chip on our shoulder."

How have you improved over the offseason?
"I feel I got a lot smarter understanding the playbook.  I also feel I've gotten stronger since last season.  I'm just ready to put it all together."

What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"Just look at this place.  It's a great area and close to the beach.  The coaches here also support us and are here for us when we need them.  That is mainly what I needed and led to me deciding to come here."

Did you set any personal goals for yourself this season?
"I don't want to give up any sacks this season.  I just want to help the offense become more efficient and help them out."

What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"Hopefully I can go to the NFL.  If that doesn't work out for me, I'd like to become a coach, a teacher or a fire fighter."

How did junior college help prepare you for Division I football?
"Junior college was pretty hard and it teaches you how to become a man.  You have to do a lot on your own of the field to get by.  On the field, you go up against good competition every week and play against guys who have been recruited by the same teams that have recruited you.  It prepared me and showed me what to expect at the Division I level."

What were some differences between junior college and Division I football?
"The DI level is more detail oriented.  It's always about being technically sound in your assignments.  In JUCO, they just want you to come out there and play, help the team win and help yourself earn a scholarship.  Division I is more business-like."

How do you feel like you have improved since junior college?
"I've gotten a lot stronger since I've been here at South Alabama.  Since I've been with coach [Richard] Owens, I've learned more about technique and assignments.  I see the game differently since coach 'O' took over the offensive line."

In what area do you look to improve this season?
"I want to be more physical and technical.  I want to use more technique when blocking in the run game.  I don't have all the strength, so I need to win at the line by using technique."

How did you benefit from playing in junior college?
"I had a lot of offers out of high school, but I didn't qualify [academically], so junior college definitely humbled me and made me realize that I have to take this stuff seriously and not take things for granted.  Junior college showed me that I have to do it on the field and in the classroom."

What did you gain from your experience last season?
"I realized how intense and long the season can be last year, so that has helped me prepare this year.  I know what things to look for and I know how to prepare better each week for each team.  Last year, I didn't really know what to expect.  This year, I know how everything works."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to go fishing our just hang out with my girl."

What are some of your strengths that you bring to the offensive line?
"I believe a couple of the strengths I bring to the offensive line is physicality and.  I push a lot of the younger guys and try to help them get better and keep them focused."

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