William Lloyd is an efficient run defender and hard hitting linebacker. The Troy University product is senior who plays bigger than his 5″11, 219 lbs frame would suggest. He has a knack for getting into the backfield and disrupting the run game and found himself getting after the quarterback consistently in 2015.
LastWordonProFootball sat down with him to get his thoughts on preparing for the NFL Draft and his college career:
Exclusive Interview with Troy Trojan William Lloyd
How does it feel to prepare for the NFL Draft?
“It’s really an anxious and exciting feeling. I’ve grown to love this game from a young age. To see that it’s a possibility to play the game I love on the highest level is a blessing. Although the process is tough, a lot of people are unfortunate to not be able to do what I do.”
Troy have a good history of taking players to the NFL, currently there are five former Trojans on an NFL roster. what would it mean for you to make it six?
“It really would mean the world man. Just a dream come true. Coming from a small school can sometimes affect you in a negative way. All I need is an opportunity to show that I can be a valuable asset on the next level.”
You’ve set pretty consistent numbers in the last two years, but only registered one sack in 2016. Do you think your 2015 numbers are more reflective of your ability to get after it and make plays in the backfield?
“I feel as both seasons reflected my abilities. I was productive in both years as in making plays in the backfield. You won’t have 15 tackles or 4 sacks every game, sometimes you just have to let the game come to you. That doesn’t mean I still won’t get after it.”
You registered pretty consistent Tackle For Loss numbers, 9.0 and 8.5 in 2015/2016 respectively. Do you pride yourself on excellent run defense?
“Absolutely. One of my most valuable assets is my speed. I do a lot of my work running sideline to sideline. Our defensive coordinator Vic Keonning stressed the importance of all hats getting to the football. Great things happen when you do. So I tried to make that a habit.”
At troy you’ve lined up as both an OLB and MLB, is there a position more natural to you? or do you feel as though you can compete anywhere?
“I feel as of right now, I am more natural at OLB. I can study another position and work on my craft to be effective in that position also. If I put mind on being a productive MLB or a productive safety, I can do that.”
How supportive have your family been throughout your football journey?
My family have been very supportive. I know when I was a kid, my mother did not want me to play football. She was that parent that was always worried that something will happen to her child. As I continued to play, she started to realize that I had an opportunity to be very good. She has been the backbone in this operation ever since. Everybody wants me to do extremely well and take this football thing as far as I can.
The one thing that I learnt from her is that “if you ever want something in life, don’t let nobody give you a thing. You have the mind to do whatever you want in life. Make people respect you, take what you want! When you earn all of these, it will only make your success even more sweet.”
Can you name a current pro you see some of your own game in?
“I see some of my game in Ryan Shazier. He’s fast, athletic, and makes a lot of plays in open space.”
What would you say is the coolest thing football has allowed you to do?
“Mentoring and being around kids that’s not as fortunate has to be the coolest thing. When you can put a smile on a kid’s face that think you are some sort of superhero is a great feeling. They look at me as their role model and I wouldn’t trade nothing in the world for that.”
If you could be a part of any front 7 from history, which would you pick?
“The team I’m more familiar with has to be the 2008 Pittsburg Steelers. They not only had a great front 7, but the secondary was mean also with Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor. I could say they had the complete defense.”
Do you have any pregame rituals?
“I actually come to the field with like two gold chains, two rings, and a gold watch. I get taped with all of my jewelry on. It’s a must that I do. I do partner stretches with one particular strength coach. I have a specific playlist that I play right before the game. When I touch the field, I kneel to the bench to pray and point to sky.”
Everyone dreams of that NFL pay check, what are you going to do when you get yours?
“First I have to put a roof over my family’s head. I have a fiancé and I need to make sure we are in a great home to start a family. After I get that situated, I have to take care of my mother. I know I might can never repay her for the things she did, but I have to give back for all the things she did.”
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