Senior free safety Kam Williams has a nickname that’s pretty much self-explanatory.
His Oswego East teammates use it on the practice field and it pops right up when his social media followers open up his page on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Right there, it says — Kam “Kam Bam” Williams.
“I’ve had it since I played Pop Warner football,” he said. “I got it in practice, being the hardest hitter out there. At some point, my coach was like, ‘All right Kam, lay off a little bit. We don’t want anyone else getting injured.’
“That’s how it happened.”
In sixth grade, Williams moved to the Chicago area with his family from the Richmond suburb of Chesterfield, Virginia. The nickname also came with him.
It seems particularly apropos given the strong performance turned in by a hard-hitting defense that the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Williams leads for Oswego East (4-0).
Williams certainly isn’t the biggest player on the Wolves’ practice field but still packs the requisite pop in a new 4-2-5 alignment under defensive coordinator Dan Dunbar, with Williams relaying Dunbar’s calls from the sideline on each play.
“He definitely gets everybody lined up,” Oswego East coach Tyson LeBlanc said of Williams.
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Williams, who started last season in the Wolves’ secondary, has also played cornerback and the other strong safety spot currently held by senior Zamarion Taylor.
“Defensive back is just fine,” Williams said of his position. “I do enjoy making a big hit, but getting an interception in perfect coverage I love a little more.
“It’s just rewarding because that’s what we practice — reading the receiver, coverage and footing. When it shows on the field, it’s a lot better.”
Dunbar said Williams’ role is similar to his responsibilities in the team’s former “three high safety” alignment but brings out more of his leadership abilities.
“We have checks when they motion on offense and there’s a lot to know,” Dunbar said.
Williams, who is looking to play at the next level, has welcomed the challenge.
“They put a lot of trust in and responsibility on me to make the strength calls, the play calls and relay it to everybody else and make sure they echo it,” Williams said. “In terms of pre-snap to post-snap making calls, it’s either me or the linebackers.”
That group includes senior Noah Snow and junior Jack Ponto, a second-year starter.
“We’ve got some pretty smart guys who can think on the fly, get everybody where they need to be,” Williams said.
The secondary also features senior cornerbacks Jamari McKay and Brandon Solis, along with junior Ty’Rel Thomas, a hybrid safety and linebacker. Thomas also plays running back on offense.
“Our most athletic guy, he’s gonna be asked to step up in the box or maybe cover,” Dunbar said of Thomas. “He’s super athletic and has the vision you like in an offensive player.”
Dunbar believes the new defense is better suited to stop the power running game utilized by tougher upcoming conference opponents.
So far, the Wolves have outscored opponents 163-16, limiting them to a combined 380 yards passing and 385 yards rushing. Those teams have a 4-12 record.
Things get tougher Friday at Bolingbrook (2-2), and toughest part of the schedule includes the final four games against Romeoville (3-1), Yorkville (4-0), Oswego (4-0) and Minooka (2-2).
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“I’m not surprised because we’ve been working hard all summer,” Williams said. “We’ve had the mentality that no one is going to be better than us. We’re doing what we do best, holding everyone accountable and making plays.”
Getting back to the playoffs after a two-year absence is the goal for Oswego East.
Dunbar believes Williams is perfect for his role.
“He commands the defense and communicates well,” Dunbar said. “He has his own style. They respect him and he gets the job done. Whenever he says what he needs to say, the guys stop talking and listen.”