After a week of rest, USC’s Leonard Williams is ready for Cal

USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams sat out last season’s victory over California because of a shoulder injury.

So he’s looking forward to playing against the Golden Bears on Thursday night at the Coliseum.

Williams had off-season surgery, but he has nursed a sore shoulder throughout a productive season.

The junior said he benefited from Coach Steve Sarkisian’s decision to give the Trojans a week off after their Nov. 1 victory at Washington State.

“The week we had off for the bye week definitely paid off,” he said.

Williams has seven tackles for losses, including 4 1/2 sacks. He also has intercepted a pass and forced four fumbles.

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag