Kentucky coach Joker Phillips says junior linebacker Avery Williamson is a team leader on defense and offense despite getting set to become a full-time starter this season for the first time in his career. Here’s what Williamson had to say at Media Day.

On why the defense will be improved …
“The main thing is because we know what we are doing out there this year. Last year, it was our first time in the defense, we weren’t clear on everything. This year we really spent a lot more time in the film room, studying and getting everybody clear with what they have to do. It’s a better feeling going into camp.”

On who he thinks will step up on the defensive side of the ball …
“We lost all three of our linebackers, Winston (Guy), Danny (Trevathan) and [Ronnie Sneed] and as a linebacker crew we have to step up, all of us have to step up. We have to be leaders out there, be vocal and we have to make plays. All those people made plays and we have to replace them.”

On the linebackers being a strength of the team …
“They were kind of doubting us in the spring and I really took that to heart, we were in there working hard this summer, and we got in the film room. As the linebackers we have to be the core of the “D”, that’s our goal going into camp. We have to be tough, we have to be mentally ready and physically ready.”

On looking forward to getting onto the field and beginning practice …
“I’ve been looking forward to it, anxious, it’s a big difference. I hate moving into dorms, though, that is the biggest part. I just hate moving into dorms. I’m anxious for it (for practice) and I’m ready to show the coaches what I can do.”

On what he has to do improve on his game …
“Go out there and make plays. Last year I would go in there and make a few plays and would have to go straight out. This year, when I get hot I want to stay hot so I just want to make as many plays as possible and encourage my teammates to make plays and be a leader out there, try to do everything possible to get a victory.”