USC’s Leonard Williams might be feeling snubbed by second-team Camp selection
USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams does not have much left to prove.
The junior is projected as a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft and is expected to pass up his final year of eligibility to turn pro.
But Williams might have extra motivation when the Trojans return to practice Friday in preparation for their Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl game against Nebraska.
On Thursday, the Walter Camp All-America team was announced, and the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Williams was named to the second team.
Williams tweeted “Disappointed,” apparently in reaction to the news, after the announcement.
Utah’s Nate Orchard, Missouri’s Shane Ray, Clemson’s Vic Beasley and Ohio State’s Joey Bosa were named first-team defensive linemen.
Orchard has 20 tackles for losses, including a nation-leading 17 1/2 sacks. Ray has 14 sacks, Bosa 13 1/2 and Beasley 11.
Williams has 8 1/2 tackles for losses, including six sacks. He also intercepted a pass and forced three fumbles.
Cravens positioned for success
His NFL future might be at safety.
For now, sophomore Su’a Cravens appears optimistic about staying at linebacker.
“I’ve been very successful this year, so I’m grateful,” he said recently.
Cravens was selected first-team All-Pac-12 Conference after recording 16 tackles for losses, including five sacks. He also intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown.
Cravens was a Freshman All-American at safety in 2013, but the new staff moved him to linebacker early this season to take advantage of his play-making ability. Cravens said that during high school and his freshman year at USC, people told him he was going to gain weight and be moved to linebacker.
“I was like, ‘No I’m not,’ ” he said. “Here I am, I guess they were right.”
The 6-foot-1 Cravens started the season weighing about 230 pounds. Last week, he said he weighed 215.
“As the season wears on, you just lose a lot of weight,” he said. “People get beat up, and with all the spread teams we play, you’re going to lose weight because you’re running to the ball, and it’s a pass every down.”
Cravens does not foresee a problem.
“It’s not a hard weight to get back to,” he said.
Quick hit
USC players’ Holiday Bowl gifts include a $445 gift card for Best Buy, a Fossil watch and a cap, Sports Business Daily reported this week.
Twitter: @latimesklein
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