ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Tre Williams shared insights about his relationship with teammate Bryce Underwood, who gifted him a custom hat, and the team’s mindset during a recent press conference.
“I feel like me and Bryce’s relationship is pretty good. I found it in my locker one day. So, shout out to him,” said Pierce about a hat he found.
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Asked if Underwood has his version of a hat, Williams replied, “I don’t. Trey Williams doesn’t have a hat. I’m not this big time, but hopefully I can when I get a little bit older.”
Defensive preparation
Williams emphasized the defense’s mental preparation for sudden changes in games.
“Just our mindset. As a defense, we prepare every week for whatever situation we’re put into. That’s what good defenses do. Defend the blade of grass wherever they spot the ball,” Williams said.
On holding Northwestern to under 100 rushing yards, Williams expressed pride in the defensive line’s effort.
“That’s something we pride ourselves on here. We say run wall, run wall, run wall. Anytime we keep them to low rushing yards, guys like me get happy. That’s my pride and joy every week,” Williams said.
Regarding Northwestern’s offensive line, Williams acknowledged their strength.
“They were a solid group up front. They worked well together. It was a close game. They have a lot of good players,” Williams said.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead to upcoming games, Williams stressed the importance of focus.
“There’s no peeking ahead. We take one game at a time. Maryland is a very dangerous 4-6 team. That record doesn’t reflect how good they are. We can’t take them lightly,” Williams said.
On Maryland’s recent news that head coach Michael Locksley will be returning next season, Williams said, “They really don’t have anything to lose. They have two games left for bowl eligibility. I expect them to come hard. We get everybody’s best shot every Saturday.”
When asked about the coaching staff’s message on not looking past Maryland, Williams said, “They tell us we play three games in this stretch after the bye. All three teams can beat you. We almost lost Saturday, but good teams find a way to finish on top.”
Regarding Maryland’s threat, Williams highlighted their young quarterback, Malik Washington, and talented wide receivers.
“They have a really good young quarterback. Maryland always has skill position receivers and a solid defense. The DMV area has a lot of great talent,” Williams said.
Williams described how he prepares for the big Ohio State game without peeking ahead.
“I’m getting extra sets in, eating less bad food. Preparation for them is also preparation for everybody else. That’s how I view it,” Williams said.
College Football Playoff
Williams shared his thoughts on succeeding late in the season, with their goals in front of them, including making the College Football Playoff.
“Being consistent. Not trying to have any superheroes. We got to where we are because everybody is doing their job. Now does not call for super-heroic stuff. We just have to be us,” Williams said.
Williams identified the team’s biggest strength as camaraderie.
“The strength isn’t even something on the field. It’s the camaraderie. Nobody sees how close we are. We do everything together. It’s not a me-first locker room. It’s a ‘us,’” Williams said.
He noted when he first noticed this team unity.
“After USC, a lot of teams start losing games, but we told ourselves that’s not going to be us anymore,” Williams said.
Michigan will travel to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins at 4 p.m.