When the Eagles need someone to make a play on defense, they don’t have to look far. Antwione Williams is a trusted leader and undeniably one of the best athletes to play for Georgia Southern. He currently leads the Eagles in tackles with 23 and sacks with 2.5. In addition, he’s the fifth leading tackler in the Sun Belt Conference. Tonight will be his final chance to play Appalachian State and he’s ready to lead the Eagles to his first win at App. State. 

1. What does Georgia Southern football mean to you?

It means a lot. It means tradition, hard work-ethic and winning. Those are some of the most important factors to me.

2. How important are the fans to the success of the season? What do you appreciate most?

We have great fans. I love how our fans travel to the games. Seeing the student section and how our fans are getting into the game shows how supportive they are. You can go to a lot of places and see a lot of fans who don’t support their teams. Our fans are great.

3. How do you see yourself as the leader of the Eagles’ defense?

I see myself as vocal and somebody my teammates can follow by example. You’ve got to make plays out there. You’ve got talk the talk and walk the walk. I feel like I do that.

4. What creates the monster we see that currently leads the defense with 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks?

It’s an everyday work ethic. I come out here to play my best. We want to see another ring on our fingers.

5. How has the performance of the Eagles’ defense impacted the season?

Our defense has really stepped it up a lot. We’ve really helped the team in a lot of games. We’ve kept the games this season from being a lot closer than the games last season; its given our offense a lot of leeway. Our offense knows they don’t have to go out there every series and score because we have their back.

6. If you had the chance to play alongside one NFL player?

Patrick Willis. I know he’s not in the league anymore but I feel like he was an intense linebacker. He would’ve been a pretty cool guy to play alongside.

7. What’s one of your favorite moments as a linebacker for Georgia Southern?

Last year against App. State. When we played them on Thursday night, I’ve never seen a crowd that pumped up. The whole atmosphere and that entire night was just a great time.

8. How was it seeing JJ Wilcox return to Georgia Southern for the homecoming game?

It was cool. I met with him and we talked. We had a nice little conversation about how he’s been. It was fun catching up with one of my old teammates.

9. Does seeing JJ Wilcox make you realize your chances to play in the NFL?

It really does. It just shows that you have to go out there and keep working every day. You’ve got to stay hungry no matter what situation you’re in. I feel like if I keep on doing what I’m doing, I’ll see myself where I want to be.

10. Are you feeling pumped to play to play App. State…ONE. MORE. TIME.?

This is my fifth season playing here at Georgia Southern. We haven’t beaten them once at App. State. I’m going to make sure that changes before I leave.