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MIAMI » University of Hawaii football fans look at Jesse Williams and think about what could have been.
Williams, Alabama’s force in the middle as a 6-foot-4, 320-pound nose guard, will be a big key to the Crimson Tide’s defense against Notre Dame in the Discover BCS National Championship at Sun Life Stadium on Monday.
It looked like the Australian would become a Warrior when he committed to UH at age 16. But he was missing two classes he needed for admittance to Manoa in 2009.
"A lot of things change," Williams said at media day Saturday. "I had to get my academics right. Mostly it was coming from a different school system in Australia. It worked out in the end, going to junior college (Arizona Western) and then Alabama. (Playing for) two national championships."
Williams played defensive end on last year’s team that beat LSU for the title before moving to the middle this season.
"He’s a unique player," Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart said. "I’ve coached however many years — 13, 14 years now — and never been around a guy quite like Jesse. When he first got to us, there were things he didn’t understand about the game. But he always had great quickness and could run fast and very strong, obviously."
Williams displayed toughness in the SEC championship victory against Georgia on Dec. 1. He sprained an MCL and meniscus, but returned to help seal the 32-28 win.
"I took a couple days off after the game and did my rehab stuff," Williams said. "I’m 100 percent."
Williams said he knew of Manti Te’o because UH briefly tried to recruit Te’o at the same time they were wooing him.
"He’s made a pretty big name for himself in college football, making moves for Polynesians," said Williams, who is of Maori descent. "(He’s) making the most of the opportunity, as I’m trying to do. I wish the best for him."
Te’o said he took note of Williams’ extensive body art.
"I didn’t know Jesse was Polynesian until I saw his tattoos," said Te’o, who is Samoan and Hawaiian. "I saw a few of his tattoos and immediately I knew not only who he was but what he stood for because it permeates through every Polynesian player out there."
Impromptu internship
Players interviewing players has become a staple of media days.
Robby Toma, a broadcast communications major, tried his hand yesterday, interviewing Notre Dame teammates, including fellow North Shore product Kona Schwenke, under the guidance of KHON sports director Rob DeMello.
Speaking of Toma, he said he and former Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis keep in touch.
"Coach Weis is still very supportive. He last texted me two weeks ago to see how I was doing," said Toma, who accepted a scholarship offer from Weis four years ago, as did Te’o.
Perfect number
Te’o said he has just the right number of tickets for Monday’s game.
"I have six family members coming in and that’s the number we’re given," he said. "I think every individual playing in this game is being contacted (by) family members they haven’t met."
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