FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior linebacker Terrell Williams has more starts the past three weeks than he had the previous three years.
Williams is set to make his fourth consecutive start for the Razorbacks against Kentucky on Saturday night. He had two career starts coming into the season with most of his playing time coming on special teams, but now he finds himself as Arkansas’ most experienced linebacker because of season-ending injuries sustained by seniors Alonzo Highsmith and Tenarius Wright.
In the Razorbacks’ 24-7 victory at Auburn last Saturday, Williams matched his career high with 12 tackles, including the first sack of his career when he hit Clint Moseley for an 8-yard loss on third down to stall an Auburn drive in the third quarter. He also had 12 tackles against Rutgers in his first start and has 32 this season to rank fourth on the team.
After waiting for three seasons, Williams finally is getting a chance to show what he can do as a starter.
“Man, it’s a good feeling, but it’s bittersweet,” he said in reference to the Razorbacks’ injuries. “Adversity is just part of the game. It’s football.
“We have a lot of talent that people might not know or haven’t heard their names.But like I tell them, ‘Go step on the field and try to make a name for yourself.’ ”
Arkansas linebackers coach Taver Johnson said Williams has played well and has progressed in each game as a starter.
“But obviously nowhere near what we’re going to need him to play now,” Johnson said. “He realizes that, and he understands his expectations and our expectations are through the roof.
“There’s definitely room for improvement, but it’s good to have an older guy around like Terrell. He’s doing things right and being accountable.”
Coach John L. Smith has talked to Williams about the need for him to take on a greater leadership role, especially with the linebackers.
“Like I was talking to him ... you really have to start being more vocal, because you have all these young guys around you,” Smith said. “So start being more vocal and get everybody lined up. That’s part of your responsibility now.
“Hopefully, you’re putting a little pressure on him in that regard and he’ll respond. He will respond.”
Senior defensive tackle Alfred Davis, a team captain, said he can see Williams gaining more confidence each week.
“He’s going to play good football for us,” Davis said. “There’s no let-up. Usually when you lose a starter, you’re worried about there being a drop-off at that position, but Terrell’s come in and held his own.”
Williams started the past three weeks at the weakside linebacker spot but has moved to the middle linebacker this week to replace Highsmith. Freshman A.J. Turner is expected to make his first start Saturday, taking over at weakside linebacker. Freshman Otha Peters is backing up Williams, and junior Jarrett Lake, who never has started and has played sparingly at linebacker, is backing up Turner. Senior Matt Marshall also has come from the scout team to lend some depth if needed.
“I’m just trying to give experience and wisdom to the young guys and help them learn as fast as possible and as much as possible,” Williams said. “I’m a competitor, so any time I get a chance to step out there with my guy,I try to bring out the best in everybody.”
Williams has played and practiced extensively at middle and weakside linebacker, and he said moving between the spots isn’t a major adjustment.
“I have a feel for both of them,” he said. “There’s a slight difference in the coverages, but mainly it’s just football.”
Williams said he’s impressed by how quickly Turner and Peters have progressed.
“I know when I came in as a freshman it took me awhile to learn the defense,” he said. “They’ve been learning the defense a lot faster than I did when I was in their shoes.”
Williams said he played primarily fullback and “a little safety” at Tulsa Union High School and had to learn to play linebacker after coming to Arkansas. He credited former teammates such as Jerry Franklin - the Razorbacks’ leading tackler each of the previous four seasons - and Freddy Burton with helping him adjust to a new position.
“I’ve just kept learning more and more over the years,” Williams said. “I feel like I’ve come a long way to where I am now.”
Williams said he’s improved on making reads and is able to better anticipate a play and react quickly.
“I’m playing a lot more aggressive, getting downhill,” he said. “I’m not having to think as much as I did before. I understand the linebacker position better than I ever have in my life.”
UP NEXT
KENTUCKY AT ARKANSAS
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville
RADIO: Razorback Sports Network
TV: FSN
Sports, Pages 17 on 10/12/2012