Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6-3, 248
Age: 27
College: Miami
NFL Exp: 4
How Acquired: FA-'10
Fitting In: As one of 13 linebackers on the Cowboys, Leon Williams has both plenty of teachers and competition surrounding him but fits in well.
"I love my teammates," Williams said. "So far this has been a great experience for me with Bradie (James) and all those dudes. I'm learning from them."
Williams, a fourth round draft choice in 2006 by the Cleveland Browns, was released prior to the 2009 season. The Cowboys signed him in Jan. 2010 to the reserve/future list. He recorded 112 tackles and five sacks in 46 games played for the Browns, which included 12 starts.
So Far: It isn't flashy, but Williams has been playing fairly solid thus far this preseason. He is doing a good job filling gaps and utilizing his strength against the run. Williams has recorded a total of seven solo tackles in the two preseason games. However, against Oakland, he appeared to struggle in space missing a few tackles in the open field and dropping a potentially game-winning interception.
"I'm doing some good things," Williams said. "But there are still some things I have to correct. You just want to get as perfect as you can out there, so that's what we are trying to do."
Wade Phillips said Leon is doing a good job but is more like a rookie in some ways because he hasn't been in a 3-4 defense. Williams agreed saying that picking up the 3-4 system is the biggest adjustment he has to make but is gaining confidence by the day.
"The biggest thing for me to know is what the middle linebacker is on this defense," Williams said. "I just have to be confident in being out there and making plays and going full speed."
Best Asset: Williams said his best asset is his aggressiveness. "I give everything I got. I'm going to try to hit and just try to make plays out there," Williams said.
However, his best asset may be his leadership qualities. "For whatever reason, I think the players have a lot of respect for him," Phillips said. "Already you can tell that."
You Should Know: If you go hit the social hour, it is unlikely Williams will be present. He is a gamer, a reader and he loves music.
"I listen to a lot of music and read a lot," Williams said. "I play video games like Call of Duty a lot. I just chill, I really don't go out much."
A Mouthful: "Everyone on this team has a personality that is unique. Getting to know everybody is very fun," says Williams.
