In August, his teammates overwhelmingly selected linebacker Lance Williams as a co-captain.

Then — and now — Williams was not a starter on defense.

"His vocal leadership is great," said defensive end Beau Yap, also a co-captain. "He says the right things, and we do need it. He’s a great leader."

Williams has ascended into the rotation at outside linebacker behind TJ Taimatuia and Jeremy Castro. But his speciality is on all six special-team units. He leads the Warriors with three tackles on kickoff coverage. He also has recovered a fumble.

"Every year, it seems to be two or three guys emerge as leaders," said Chris Demarest, who coordinates special teams. "Lance has taken over that role on special teams. He has a lot of energy. He’s passionate. He cares. He wants to do it right. He wants to be the leader."

Demarest said some players shy away from leadership roles.

"Sometimes it’s not the popular thing to do," Demarest said. "You might have to be unpopular to be a leader. Lance is not afraid to do that. He’s slowly coming to the forefront with all the things he’s able to get for us."

Williams said: "If you act like a leader, you play like a leader, you practice like a leader, (and) everybody will follow. Coach Demo is a great coach. He’s straight up with you. He’s not going to lie."

Williams said he likes the challenge of kickoff coverage.

"It’s a one-down thing," Williams said. "You have to have fun with it. It starts off the game, and it might end the game. It might change the momentum. It’s hard work. But it takes hard work to bring success. That’s life."

Yap said he marvels at Williams’ enthusiasm.

"He’s an Energizer Bunny," Yap said. "He never runs out of energy. He’s always ready."

Secondary gets stronger

The defensive secondary has been restocked with the return of safety Trayvon Henderson and nickel-corner Nick Nelson. Both did not play in the past game because of ailments.

"We’re hopefully getting closer to full strength," defensive coordinator Kevin Clune said. Daniel Lewis, who spent a week at running back, made the 64-player travel squad as a safety.

Saint Juste geared up

Running back Diocemy Saint Juste has been limited in the first four games because of a variety of ailments.

But Saint Juste is prepared for an expanded role as the understudy to running back Steven Lakalaka.

"I’m here to help this team out," Saint Juste said. "I don’t feel I’m doing that right now. I need to hurry up and play."

With Keelan Ewaliko and Dee Maggitt as the kickoff returners, Saint Juste said: "I’m focusing more on running back."