Irked Williams scolds media for backup tag

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When a group of media members crowded around defensive tackle Kevin Williams after practice Thursday night, it appeared it would go as any traditional media session. That tone quickly changed.

The senior didn't take any questions from the media, instead opting to address the media's choice to label him as a backup defensive tackle. Williams, who is generally thought to be the third tackle behind Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine, didn't name any specific publication, but he made it clear he hasn't ceded any playing time to the other defensive tackles.

[rl]"I'm not a backup," Williams said. "I haven't been a backup since my redshirt freshman year, so I'd appreciate it if you guys didn't publish that or put it out there. I am not a backup, OK? I've been hurt twice and that set me back, but I have never been a backup. Just to get that straight - I don't want my name out there any more unless you have something good to say and you've got me in there as the No. 1 spot.

"I am not a backup and I have not been one since my redshirt freshman year. That's all I've got to say, and I won't do any more interviews until you get that right."

Williams, who has missed two seasons with ACL injuries and has dealt with a series of other injures, has started two career games, both of which came last season when Valentine was hurt. He has played a total of 15 games and is listed on his official Huskers.com bio as having "provided Nebraska with an excellent option as a third defensive tackle behind Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine."

Williams did spend time with the first unit Thursday night as Valentine missed part of practice with a bruised knee (he's day-to-day).

Defensive end Greg McMullen said he hasn't seen Williams have a huge chip on his shoulder, but he can understand the senior's frustrations thanks to all the injuries he's endured.

"He hasn't been out here in quite some time because he's been battling injuries," McMullen said. "Of course he's out here energetic and hyped up. Kevin Williams is one of those guys that nothing can hold him down."

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