Alyssa Orange

“Well welcome back to the Pigtrail show. We’ve got a special guest coming to from Southern California. We’ve got Jonathan Williams on the line with us, and Jonathan Williams joining us from the Panini America Rookie Closeout fan fair fest, whatever you want to call it, that’s going on out there. And of course Jonathan, first off, you are out there promoting trading cards. Is it surreal that you have your own trading card right now?”

 

Jonathan Williams

“It definitely is. You know, as a kid I grew up and collected some of my favorite  players cards, and just to know that there are kids around trying to collect my card and able to do that is definitely a cool feeling.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“You’re out there with a bunch of other NFL rookies who had some successful seasons. As you interact with some of the fans after your rookie season, what are you most looking forward to.”

 

Jonathan Williams

“I am looking forward to this offseason. You know, looking forward to being able to build on you know what happened last year. Last year in the offseason, it was more of a rehab thing for me, because I was coming off of a foot injury, so this is the first time in a long time I feel I can actually build and get better, so definitely looking forward to this offseason, and next year is going to be a good season.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“Well we want to talk to you about your rookie season from the state of Texas. You moved to Buffalo, New York. First off, how was that transition moving up to Buffalo, NY?”

 

Jonathan Williams

“It was definitely different. You know, just because like you said, I’m from Texas, the South, and I went to Arkansas which is also in the South, and moving up Northeast is definitely different. A different environment, but much like Arkansas, the Buffalo Bills fans are great. You know, they are, they love their football, so that is the best thing about the city. That, just like Arkansas fans, we all know how crazy Arkansas can get and definitely when they start calling the Hogs, and the Buffalo Bills fans are much like that, so it definitely feels like a family.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“Yeah they definitely have some passion up there. Coming out and supporting you guys in the snow and in that weather and in the cold. Now, if you could sum up your rookie season and obviously taking that first step into the NFL, how would you sum that up?”

 

Jonathan Williams

“Just a good learning experience. I was behind LeSean McCoy, who is somebody who is one of the best running backs in the NFL, so I was able to learn from him. Another one of my favorite running backs growing up as a kid that I idolized was Reggie Bush and being in the same room as him and picking his brain and learning what he did in the offseason and just picking their brains. You know, guys that have been in the NFL and have been able to sustain a long career. It has just been great to learn from them, so this rookie year was definitely a great learning experience, and hopefully I can take everything I learned and put it in my career.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“Yeah, you talk about learning, as you mentioned backing up Mccoy and Reggie Bush. What has been something that specifically you have learned from them, especially veterans in this league?”

 

Jonathan Williams

“Preparation, you know, the mental preparation for the game. LeSean McCoy if definitely one of the smartest players I have been around. I don’t know if he gets enough credit, you know , for how smart he actually is. You know, he knows the insides and outs of the offense, and that is definitely something that I wanted to be able to add to my game. Also, just the way he is as far as competitiveness. You know, running the ball and catching the ball. He always wants to be able to get out of the back field and run routes and stuff like that, so that is definitely something in the offseason that I want to work on. Just being able to flex out, and being able to be a threat i the passing game, as well.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“Alright, Jonathan Williams, of course got to ask you about Arkansas. Your first year removed from the program, but you’ve got Rawleigh Williams, you’ve got the freshman Devwah Whaley, as they head into their junior ns sophomore seasons. What are you most excited for this backfield in the future?”

 

Jonathan Williams

“I excited to see them surpass me and Alex. You know, I feel like they are kind of that same one-two punch. Hopefully they are the next pair that runs for 1000 each, so I am excited. I definitely have a lot of pride watching them as a former running back, and just the way me and Alex played off of each other. Having a similar role is definitely cool to see.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“Alright those are some big shoes to fill. I think they are definitely up for the task though.”

 

Jonathan Williams

“I think so. They are both Texas guys too, so I think they have it in their bloodline.”

 

Alyssa Orange

“There you go. That Texas pride. We enjoy it. Well of course, Jonathan Williams always great to catch up with you. We thank you for your time.”

 

Jonathan Williams

“Thank you.”