Williams settles into role on defensive line

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams hates to admit it, but he entered the season with a few fears.

It's different now, though.

The sophomore is gaining confidence and adjusting well to a position he had not played until this past spring.

After making four tackles in the Tigers' first five games, Williams has 13 tackles in the past five games. In the second half of the season, he also recorded 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles.

"At first, I was scared," said Williams, who is 6 feet, 2 inches and 275 pounds. "I was the little dude in there going against big guys."

Williams came to Missouri as a linebacker and played 11 games last season at defensive end. He has started every game this season.

"I was used to getting a five-yard head start on these big 300-pound dudes and now they're like 18 inches away from me," Williams said. "So it's a big difference, but once you get into it and start rolling it gets easier and easier."

Coach Gary Pinkel values Williams' progress. "Lorenzo's doing better," he said. "The more he plays, the more he gets better in there."

Confidence came for Williams as he learned he could compete with his counterparts across the line.

"Once you realize you can compete with people, then you take the extra step and you start thinking you can beat these people and it makes you feel a little better coming off the field," Williams said.