Cal Edge Solomon Williams Came to Become the Player He Always Knew He Could Be
The outside linebacker arrived with pro-level influences, a ready-made rivalry with his roommate, and full belief in what this defense can do.
Cal edge Solomon Williams doesn’t lack for confidence heading into his first season for the Golden Bears. He just needed the right environment to let it show.
“I just feel like I can be a real game changer for this defense. I feel like I could be a really good player. I showed flashes with the opportunities I got at my previous school, but definitely just becoming the best version of myself. That’s my only goal.”
He came to Berkeley with Tristan Jernigan, a former teammate, and the two have picked up right where they left off.
“Tristan’s my guy. We definitely set out here to make a change and become the players we thought we could become. We go at it, man. Me and Kie [Kahlee Tafai?] go at it, me and Jimbo [Jimothy Lewis] go at it, me and Fred [Frederick Williams] go at it. I love that because we’re getting each other better for the season.”
Coach Tosh Lupoi was a draw.
“I definitely describe him as someone that’s authentic, very straightforward, to the point, someone that’s trying to get the best out of you. That’s why I came here.”
Williams also arrived carrying lessons from watching pros up close at his previous program, and he’s made it his business to pass that along.
“Just bringing over what I’ve learned from guys that went to the pros, learning their mannerisms, how they went about their business, how they went about learning the plays and just becoming a pro. Just carrying that over here, trying to bring guys the pro mindset.”
Having Lupoi step into D-line drills and meeting rooms as a former All-Pac-12 pass rusher has been something Williams didn’t take for granted.
“He steps in our drills often, steps in our meeting rooms often. It’s not like he just played the position. He had an opportunity to go to the NFL. He was all Pac-12 here at Cal. You’re not going to get that everywhere.”
When Williams looks at the full picture, offense and defense, he sees something building.
“The offense is going to be explosive. Having a guy like Jaron [Keawe-Sagapolutele], when I’m rushing I think I might have him and he steps up in the pocket, that’s pro. And the defense, we’re going to be some guys hunting the quarterback, trying to get the ball out, playing with togetherness. We’re going to be relentless. It’s going to be a sight to see.”