Auburn's Cadillac Williams: 'I'll tell you what, I know our defense is up to the challenge'

Auburn interim coach Carnell Williams was back on Tiger Talk Thursday night. He took questions from hosts Andy Burcham and Brad Law as well as Auburn fans in attendance in Baumhowers Victory Grille.

Andy Burcham and Brad Law

Brad Law: Week three in this current role. If last week was a little more settled than the week before, are you starting to settle in to a little rhythm here?

Cadillac Williams: Not quite. Man, last week was amazing. That atmosphere was electric. Players, wow what a game they played. Staff, they’ve done a heck of a job of preparing those guys. It’s been a little challenging because we have a ball game on Saturday/ It’s one of those things where you have short term memory and flush it, and get ready for a really good Western Kentucky team.

Andy Burcham: What is the key to turning the page after an emotional, special evening at Jordan-Hare Stadium last week?

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Cadillac Williams: I think one of the big keys, the big message all week is, we have to continue to serve, continue to be discipline, and continue to believe. If we do those things, we have to kind of be in the moment. Taking it one day at a time, one play at a time. Enjoy this process, not worry about what’s next. Man, we have to live in the moment and continue to create these memories together because nothing is guaranteed. I feel like if we have that type of attitude, we could beat anybody.

Andy Burcham: Were you a head hunter as a safety?

Cadillac Williams: I was, I really was. If you go back many moons ago, just how I ran the ball, I just loved the physicality of the game of football. I love to strike, love to hit, love to hunt. So, yeah I was decent.

Brad Law: Does Raymond Farmer from Etowah High School come out in you on the practice field?

Cadillac Williams: Yes sir, I was so lucky to play for Coach Raymond Farmer. Old school, hard-nosed. He was ahead of his time. He had us prepared physically and mentally. He held us accountable. He treated everybody fair. No favoritism. There wasn’t a relaxed day for me. He expected me each and every day to finish first, and to lead the team. Playing under his leadership and vision, that’s where a lot of my work ethic and mind set came from.

Andy Burcham: Western Kentucky very different from an offensive standpoint from the team a week ago, what do you see out of the Hilltoppers coach?

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Cadillac Williams: I know they throw it around the yard a lot. We have to contain the explosive plays. We have to rally around the football and put a cap on that. They get the football out really quick. They throw a lot of screens and a lot of gap scheme. They do a good job of complimenting their run game with the pass game. I’ll tell you what, I know our defense is up to the challenge, I’m looking forward to seeing them play.

Andy Burcham: Offensively, you’re going to pound it aren’t you?

Cadillac Williams: Yeah I’m a former running back and I believe in running the football. When Auburn is at its best, we play really good defense and run the football. But of course, we are going to have to give the receivers and tight ends opportunites. We are going to play a lot better in the pass game. We will play better on third downs. I believe that. We had a good week of practice, those guys have confidence. We will be ready to play saturday.

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Brad Law: Everybody knows you’re going to try to run the ball, but you have done it effectively.

Cadillac Williams: I think one of the greatest feelings in life is when a team knows you’re going to run the ball and they can’t stop it. To me that is an attitude thing. It starts with the offensive line. They are playing tough, nasty, hard-nosed football. The wide receivers blocking on the perimeter. It’s not just RB’s, those guys are moving the pile. You add on Robby’s ability to run the football, it is dynamic. Running backs have to win the one on ones and they have done a good job getting yards after contact.

Andy Burcham: You guys have had to have some guys step up this year. Everybody has been in and out of the lineup up front.

Cadillac Williams: We are only as strong as our weakest link. Coach Will Friend and Kendall Simmons are doing a great job of preparing those guys. Injuries happen.

Auburn fan questions

Auburn fan, Herb: We all know about you running the ball and offense, so what is your defensive philosophy as a head coach?

Cadillac Williams: Yikes, that’s a good question for OP (Owen Pappoe). Nah, my philosphy for defense, one thing I share with Coach (Jeff) Schmedding is let’s improvise. Let’s get these guys playing with confidence. Let’s get them flying around. Defensively, I had an opportunity in high school to play a little safety. One thing I do know, it’s about getting 11 men to the ball, playing relentless, doing your job, flying around, trusting each other. I feel like if you play team ball, you’re in your right gap, and get guys flying to the ball, you can create momentum. It just brings the energy.

Auburn fan, Julie: On Saturday you bid farewell to 24 Auburn men. Tell us about your memories of senior day.

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Cadillac Williams: Very emotional. Just knowing that it’s the last time in Jordan-Hare suiting up. We owe it to these seniors to send them out the right way. As you all know, Jordan-Hare is special because of the fans. That will be a tough moment. These seniors have been through two head coaches, position coaches, covid, a lot. They gave a lot to Auburn football, so we want to send them off the right way.

Auburn fan, Reid: What made you inspire to be a coach?

Cadillac Williams: Honestly, as a lot of people know, when I got the opportunity to be named interim head coach, I was struggling early on. What kind of coach am I going to be? Naturally I’m an energetic type of guy. I was like well, I’m the head coach now. Head coaches aren’t supposed to do that. A couple of guys in our room, Tank, Jarquez were like Coach, just be yourself. Honestly, pray to the good lord, I just said I’m about to have fun with it. The good lord helped me get up and down those sidelines, because after the game I be burnt. I’m tired.

Auburn fan, Buster: As a player what is your favorite part of the football facility and as a coach?

Cadillac Williams: As a player, there are two locker rooms, one where guys get dressed for practice and one that is a lounge. Those guys get to sit in the locker room and can basically lay down, prop their legs up. The locker rooms stand out. As a coach, we have a beautiful room upstairs where we can have walk-throughs. We have a huge screen and walk through space and coach as we go. That is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen and a game changer as a coach. Now, with the video and seeing what guys are doing, I think that’s my favorite as a coach.

Auburn fan: The Jungle brought an amazing atmosphere on Saturday, how can it do it again this Saturday.

Cadillac Williams: Calling out the Auburn family and the Jungle, let’s show up and show out. It’s senior day right? Please support these seniors! Let’s make Jordan-Hare one of the loudest stadiums in the country.

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Auburn fan, James: If a young man is considering coming to Auburn to play football, what is one word to describe playing at Auburn?

Cadillac Williams: Serve. I had the opportunity to choose this institution. The way the AUburn family in the community, the way they treated my family and I, that left a huge impression on me. The more you can serve, the greater you are, and the more the good lord will bless you with things.