Greg Penn III, Josh Williams reveal special feeling of wearing No. 18 at LSU
It was revealed on Tueday that linebacker Greg Penn III and running back Josh Williams were chosen to wear No. 18 for LSU this season. The numbers holds a special significance for Tigers players ever since it was worn by Matt Mauck, who led them to a title in 2003.
It has been somewhat of a tradition and honor for players who have been chosen to wear the number since. Both Penn and Williams expressed their excitement to be picked to don No. 18 this year.
“I honestly had no idea I was going to get it,” Penn said. “Just seeing guys wear it before me since I’ve been here, how they went about every day and how they played, it’s really just an honor. I’ve had a lot of conversation with Jacob Hester since I’ve been here. So it’s just great, man. I want to make all those guys proud that have wore it before me.”
Penn is set to enter his fourth season at LSU and has been a starter for the past two seasons. He recorded 89 tackles (6.5 for loss), four sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble this past season.
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As for Williams, he is set to enter his sixth and final season with the Tigers. He has rushed for 1,012 yards and 11 touchdowns throughout his career and is honored that his last year donning the purple and gold will come with him wearing the iconic number.
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“The moment was a once-in-a-lifetime deal for me,” he said. “Coming in and being around a lot of 18s each year, seeing what they meant to the team and to the university, just to know that and for me to actually get that opportunity to represent LSU with that number is a big deal.”
Both players will wear No. 18 for the first time when LSU kicks off the regular season against USC on Sunday in Las Vegas. Of all the people he could be sharing the number with on the team, Penn couldn’t think of anyone better than Williams.
“Josh is a guy I’m close with, a guy you can count on every day. A guy that’s gonna do his job. So I’m just happy to see him wear the number, too. I know that’s something he was really working toward and wanted to happen.”