USC football: Defensive lineman Leonard Williams eager to be a leader

USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams got antsy on the sideline.

A left shoulder injury and continuing precaution by coaches about his surgically repaired right shoulder forced Williams to sit out most of last week’s practices.

But Williams was a full participant in Saturday’s workout at the Coliseum — and he was happy to be back.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said Williams and defensive lineman Antwaun Woods, who has been sidelined because of an elbow injury, have been “great” leaders in the meeting room while they have been out.

But Williams was eager to lead again by example on the field as the Trojans continued preparations for the Aug. 30 opener against Fresno State at the Coliseum.

“It’s kind of hard for me to snap on guys and tell them to step up when I’m not practicing,” he said. “I don’t want them to look at me like, ‘Dude, you’re not even practicing. How are you going to snap on us?’ Now that I’m back, it helps out a lot more.”

Woods said he expects to return soon.