Lorenzo Williams is 10th on Mizzou's all-time sack list entering his senior season.Lorenzo Williams is 10th on Mizzou's all-time sack list entering his senior season.

Monday Media Day Chat: DT Lorenzo Williams

 Lorenzo Williams is 10th on Mizzou's all-time sack list entering his senior season.

Monday Media Day Chat: DT Lorenzo Williams

Lorenzo Williams joined us on Aug. 27 for a brief chat. The transcript appears below.

A 2006 Honorable Mention All-Big 12 pick by both the league's coaches and the Associated Press, Williams was voted as one of four captains to lead this year's team. 'Zo has started every game the last two seasons, and has registered 12.5 sacks in his three-year career; that mark is good enough for 10th place on the Tiger list all-time heading into his senior year. He has also forced and recovered five fumbles each.
Moderator: Folks -- Welcome to the first of our weekly Media Day chats. Coach Pinkel has finished his press conference with the assembled media, and we're awaiting Lorenzo's arrival to the Mizzou Athletic Training Complex. Keep your questions coming in, and we'll get as many of them answered as possible!
Lorenzo Williams: OK, folks, I'm ready to answer your questions. Fire away!
Winston (Kuala Lumpur - MU '95): What has the team done to improve its overall run defense? Practicing against a "pass-happy" spread offense, could that be a disadvantage when facing a "run-oriented" team?
Ben (Mexico): What has the defense been doing to increase its ability to stop the run this season? Looking foward to this season!!
Lorenzo Williams: We just changed our attitude about how we're approaching stopping the run. We got tougher and more physical over the summer, so we're definitely focusing on it this year.
Madison, Wisconsin: In recent years I've seen what I feel is a lack of consistent intensity for four quarters. Do you see this? And what is this year's defense doing to keep that focus and intensity?
Lorenzo Williams: Two years ago, I'd agree with you, a little less this year. As people become more comfortable with what they do, you keep your focus and intensity. It's just a matter of people knowing their assignments.
Caruthersville: Now that you are beginnging your senior season, with what looks to be one of Missouri's better teams in recent years, what words of encouragement, or advice do you give to the incoming freshmen and to the great fans of Mizzou?
Lorenzo Williams: To the freshmen, I say, "follow our lead, stay with us." Especially on the field, I tell them that our expectations are higher, and they need to compete, lift weights, everything, at that high level. For the fans, I say thanks for sticking with us through the hard times, and we feel that we'll be able to represent the University better than ever before. Have fun at the games!
Mason (Logan): Zo, you were a redshirt freshman in 2003 when we last played Illinois, I know you didn't play in that game, but you were on the sideline, so what do you remember about that game?
Lorenzo Williams: I just remember the fans being ridiculous the whole time, like an NFL game. The fourth quarter came, and Brad was just going crazy. That was my first Brad Smith experience. It was pretty eye-opening for me.
Jeremy (Batavia): Can you tell us what you're focusing on when you're over the ball and waiting for the snap to happen? Does it depend on what your assignment is? What goes through your mind? Thanks and good luck this year!!
Joe The Tiger,St. Louis: Zo: I know you will have a great year. Is your major responsibility to take on 1-2 offensive lineman and "plug up" the line of scrimmage to allow your linebackers to get to the ball carrier or are you trying to "shoot the gap" and penetrate the backfield as quickly as possible to make a tackle?Thank you.Have a great season.Go Tigers!!!
Lorenzo Williams: We play a 4-3 "gap" defense, so we shoot the gap. My focus is kind of instinctive. I watch the linemen and how they stand, whether they're leaning, etc. When the ball is snapped, just go full speed and react to what happens.
Patrick, Columbia: Im making the trips to STL and Oxford to watch you guys. I was wondering what kind of average margin of victory I should be expecting for these to games. Are we talking double or triple digits? Also my brother is a U of I grad. Can you please send him home in tears?
Lorenzo Williams: I would expect a tough game. That's all I'll say.
Jeff (Monett, MO): Lorenzo, Going into this year, what do you feel you've improved on most since last year? Speed, strength, etc?
Lorenzo Williams: Speed and strength have gotten a lot better. Technique is probably something I've worked on a lot more than anything. That's probably what I need to keep working on more of, so I think I've done well with that.
Jeff - Columbia: How effective can our pass rush be this year after the graduation of X. Jackson and B. Smith. Please talk about the current starting defensive ends and depth at the position.
Lorenzo Williams: The depth is pretty well established with Stull and Corbett. Srtyker is actually faster than Smitty; I've been working with him on his technique, working on pass moves to get them through quicker. Same with Chavis. And with getting Ziggy back, I expect them to be huge.
Charles W. F. Reese (Fulton): Lorenzo, We have heard a great deal about the Tiger offense, however the defense seems to be on a lot of peoples minds lately. What are your thoughts and who will be your main targets (on the Illinois offense) for the upcoming game? I know you will do just fine this game (you and your teammates) and the rest of the year. GO MIZZOU!
Lorenzo Williams: Definitely Juice Williams, and also Mendenhall from the D-line's standpoint. They're two guys we have to key on.
Moderator: Well, we have to let Lorenzo go so that he may address several reporters that have requested him for media day. Thanks for the great questions, and we'll be back next with with Tony Temple.