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USC football: Lineman Leonard Williams says he’s staying humble

USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams returns an interception against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
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USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams was a Freshman All-American last season and is listed on several preseason watch lists as a possibility for postseason awards.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound sophomore said he isn’t letting the attention go to his head.

Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron would not stand for it, he said.

“Coach O just tells me to ‘stay out of the magazines, stay out of the articles,’ all that type of stuff,” Williams said. “He definitely keeps me humble. ... I’m just coming out and playing hard like I’m not on the radar.”

New defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast has installed a “52” scheme that allows Williams to play inside, as he did last season, and also on the edge.

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Last season, Williams had 13 1/2 tackles for losses, including eight sacks.

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