Chargers introduce 2017 first round pick Mike Williams

Mike Williams / Photo by: Alfredo Castillo

By Felix Hernandez

Carson, Calif.  -- Clemson Tiger standout wide receiver Mike Williams arrived in Los Angeles today for his first press conference as a member of the NFL's latest renamed team, the Los Angeles Chargers.

Never did I think in my wildest dreams that the San Diego Chargers would one day be called the Los Angeles Chargers.  Alas, wildest dreams do come true.

And to kick things off on the right foot in their new town, the Chargers drafted Williams, a 6’4” playmaker with speed and good hands.  Williams has incredible size for his position, and is a talented football player who was labeled as the best wide receiver in the draft.

“Very grateful to the owners and coaches for the opportunity to play for the L.A. Chargers,” said Williams.

When asked how he felt about being in the NFL as an L.A. Charger, Williams answered, “with my mom, my whole family, and my friends being there for me, it was a dream come true.”

Mike Williams / Photo by: Alfredo Castillo

“Being in Los Angeles, its nice!  The weather and atmosphere is great.  I am excited to be here,” added Williams.

Williams was very confident that he would be selected somewhere between the 5th and the 16th pick.  The seventh overall pick of the 2017 draft, Williams is coming off a NCAA championship with the Clemson Tigers, where he picked up over 1,000 yards in 2014, and again in 2016.

During the first game of the 2015 season, Williams suffered a scary neck injury, as he pounded his head on the end zone goal post.  He was out for the rest of the season.

Williams shared that his college coach Dabo Swinney always encouraged Williams and his teammates to grow off the field, and that he owed much of his success to the Clemson coaching staff for always being a positive influence on his journey to the NFL.

When asked about concerns over whether he would ever play again due to his neck injury, Williams felt that it was an experience that made him stronger.  “It just showed that I can’t take things for granted,” added Williams.

The Daily Sports Herald asked Mike Williams a couple of questions:

DSH: What favorite player do you emulate and pattern your game after?

MW: There are a lot of great receivers out there.  Guys like A.J. Green, Alshon Jeffery, and Julio [Jones].  Big, physical receivers that dominate the game on any type of level . . . guys like that.

DSH: Have you spoken to Philip Rivers?  What did he say to you?

MW: Oh yeah, he text me last night after I got drafted.  So, I mean, he just  congratulated me.  And added that he is ready to get to work, and is looking forward to having me out there.

DSH: What do you think will be your greatest challenge in the NFL?

MW: It’s different.  Everybody in the NFL is good.  So that’s probably the biggest challenge.  You just have to go out there and compete.  That’s the main thing.

Williams added that he is looking forward to learning the new playbook, catching some balls, and having some fun in L.A.

The L.A. Chargers will be housed temporarily at the 30,000-seat StubHub Center, a soccer stadium in Carson, California, until the Chargers’ future tenancy commences at the $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood at the Hollywood Park complex in 2019.