Pac-12 Media Day Exclusive: Leonard Williams

USC defensive end Leonard Williams spoke exclusively with ATVN during Pac-12 Media Day on July 23. 

Williams is recovering from a shoulder injury that he got surgery for in December, but said he's working on coming back stronger. 

"During the spring and summer, I've just been working on the mobilization of my shoulder and just rebuilding my strength from my injury," he said. 

Williams said he's also working on stepping up as a leader. 

He also discussed the strength of the defense this season, which has multiple returnees.

"We have one of the best front seven's. I have great confidence in our defense this year," said Williams. "We also have a great secondary with Su'a Cravens and Josh Shaw." 

Williams credits senior linebacker Hayes Pullard with the leadership role he has taken, calling Pullard the "quarterback of the defense." 

Williams is playing for a third defensive coordinator in three years with Justin Wilcox leading the defense this year, but says he likes the environment the entire coaching staff creates. 

"I think with Coach Sark's staff is that he was part of Pete Carroll's staff, so he and his staff bring a lot of energy and they're so personable with the players that we can talk to them about anything on and off the field," he said. 

In 2013, Williams was an All-American. He was second on the team in tackles with 74, including a team-high 13.5 for losses. He has gained pre-season attention by making the 2014 pre-season watch lists for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation's most outstanding defensive player, the Rotary Lombardi Award, given to the nation's most oustanding down lineman/linebacker, the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the most oustanding defensive player, and the Outland Trophy, given to the most oustanding interior lineman.