10 Questions with Steve Box about Jesse Williams and Alabama

Steve Box was Jesse Williams coach for 4 Years at Bayside Ravens and for back to back National Championships for the Queensland Sundevils. Ahead of the BCS National Championship Game we thought we'd take the time to ask him a few questions.

1. How does it feel to see one of your former players  reach the heights that Jesse Williams has in being a starter in the National Championship Game in his first season at Alabama?

A: Very proud. I am so proud of what he has achieved. He definitely had to earn his opportunity, from his work ethic back here in the gym, his commitment to training on the paddock, his commitment (and his family’s) to the time, expense and energy to get the opportunity, and now, we can see that he is grabbing the opportunity with both hands.

2. Has it sunk it that he started out running around on a suburban paddock for the Ravens and now contributes to the #1 Defense in the Nation at Alabama?

A: It is amazing. For a young lad who grew up here in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane to reach the pinnacle of college football is quite astonishing. Even when visiting during the season it still was almost surreal. Even though we could tell he was athletic and a talented player, you never envisage the heights he has reached now at that early stage.

3. What is your fondest memory of Jesse playing for the Ravens?

A: Something that sticks out in my mind is his first game playing on the defensive line. He had started his first season at Centre and was interested in switching sides of the ball. I remember my colleague Paul Knight basically told him that DL was a place for players who were tough and had mongrel and that he would have to prove it. Well in game one JW got three sacks and proved it. It was a sign of things to come.

4. How would you categorise your role in Jesse’s rise to prominence?

A: I can’t claim much credit for that at all. I guess what I hope that I was able to instill in him was a passion for the game that lit his fire back in 2005 and got him started on his road. Most of the credit is deserved by JW himself and in large bundles to his parents for giving him strong values, work ethic and a drive to succeed. I am proud to have been part of his journey.

5. We have seen film of Strength Coach Scott Cochran putting the guys to work in the weight room. You got to meet him when you were in Tuscaloosa last year. Is he that intense all the time? How would the Ravens respond?

A: The Coach Cochran I met was pretty relaxed. But you could see his fire, his passion. I just kept hoping he didn’t jump up and demand I prove my worth on the squat racks. He is a real driving force behind that  Bama program.  If he were to show up to Ravens trainings and put our lads through their paces...well,  boys might be in for a real shock.“Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”.

6. You got to see up-close the gameday atmosphere, what was it like?

A: First up, Alabama fans are passionate about all of their tide players and coaches. They live Alabama football and it was so amazing to be part of. The vibe of the football training centre in the preparation week, the tailgate on gameday, and then in the stadium during the game is like nothing I have ever experienced at any sporting event in Australia. I have been NFL games, Olympic Games and AFL Grand Final, State of Origin, but a home game in Bryant-Denny Stadium can’t be described by words.

7. Did you get a sense of how the fans felt about Jesse?

A: He is definitely a cult hero. He is hard to miss around campus with his size, penchant for striking hairdos and the ink he sports, but everywhere he goes people are wanting to say hi (or a poor attempt at Gday), get a photo or an autograph. And he is so obliging, staying for ages after the game to sign autographs and pose for photos. Most people would be living it up, I think he is just pleased to be able to give back to the fans and supporters who make Alabama football so special.

8. Jesse is now a role model for other Aussie athletes and I guess particularly for indigenous youth. Is he blazing a trail for other Australians and other Ravens?

A: Certainly you would have to say there is more open-mindedness from US coaches and recruiters about Australian players now. Particularly more so for positional players (non-kickers).  Coach Saban himself has said he believes that although Jesse is a special kind of player and athlete, that Australia is a place that is something of an untapped resource. I guess Bama struck gold first. I am sure that there will be more Ravens getting collegiate opportunities in the future.

9. What makes LSU such a big challenge for Alabama? What will Jesse’s role be?

A:  They are the #1 ranked team in the nation for a reason. They have amazing talent all over the field, probably one of the few teams in the country that has the same level of talent as Alabama. They play with a level of confidence and an attitude that is tough to handle. As for Jesse, well he will be starting again at defensive end in their 3-4 position. His role tends to be to keep the offensive line busy by occupying blockers in the run game. The more people blocking him, the better it works for the All-American linebackers behind him. In the passing game he provides some of the important push to not allow the opposition QB to step up to throw. The Alabama DL Coach Rumph knows exactly what he wants out of his DL players and JW will continue to do his job.

10. Why will Alabama win the BCS National Championship Game?

A: We saw how close the last one was. This time, Alabama will win because surely they can’t miss those FGs again. Bama’s defense will be too strong and LSU won’t stop Trent Richardson. That is why the Ravens will have a BCS National Champion in our Alumni. Roll Tide!