PINEHURST – The bio for Marquise Williams in the 2015 North Carolina media guide takes up nearly three pages. Since taking over for an injured Bryn Renner at the end of his sophomore season, Williams has a complete resume. In just one season as a full-time starter (2014), the Charlotte native has become the face of the UNC football program.
Rightfully so.
Williams established 18 school records in 2014 and holds five of the 12 highest single-game total offense performances in school history. Just think, this all coming from a guy who came into the 2014 camp having to fight for starting spot in a highly publicized battle with redshirt freshman Mitch Trubisky.
The 6-2, 225 pound Williams won the job and the rest is history. He has become an All-ACC and All-American candidate, as well as a media favorite.
At the ACC Kickoff at Pinehurst last week, Williams (naturally) was one of the players selected to represent North Carolina. When Marquise Williams talks, itās best to sit back and just let the tape roll as he speaks on the 2015 outlook, opening the season in his hometown and even his bulldog, Bella.Ā 
On pressure and expectations for the 2015 season
āItās another opportunity to go out with guys I love; sacrificed blood, sweat and tears with for the last five years. Iām excited. No pressure at all. Weāre returning all the starters on offense, so there is no pressure on me at all. Thatās the only thing I can think about, having so many guys around me, so many weapons and I can just give them the ball, nothing on my shoulders.ā
On having all five starters return on the offensive line
āThey will be the best offensive line in the country this year. Thereās no doubt in my mind. Iām excited to play behind those guys.ā
On the new look defense
āThose guys look great. Theyāre probably going to be the heart and soul of our team. Those guys have been playing wonderful in the summer. Itās been hard for the offensive guys to get going (against the defense), but thatās what we expect. They are excited, they want to get better.ā
On being a better leader in 2015
āThere are different ways to lead a football team. You donāt have to yell and curse at every player. You can pull a player to the side and say, ācan you do this better?āā Itās a different way you talk to guys. Some guys can take it, some canāt. Itās just about being more positive ā¦ I donāt think Iāve ever been this positive in my life.ā
On the season opener versus South Carolina on Sept. 3rd.
āItās South Carolina on ESPN on a Thursday night, against an SEC opponent. It doesnāt get any bigger than that. I canāt go on ESPN and just fall apart.ā
On opening the 2015 season in his hometown of Charlotte
āItās a blessing. Iām looking at walking into Bank of America Stadium ā¦ you never know when your time will be to play in an NFL stadium. I am 1-0 in Bank of America Stadium.ā
On the depth at quarterback in the ACC
āI think we have the best set of quarterbacks in the country.ā
On attending the Manning Academy, hosted by Eli and Peyton Manning
āIt was great. Going out and learning different things ā¦ you can always better your game. It was great learning from guys like Cody Kessler (USC), Christian Hackenberg (Penn State), these guys are going to be top draft picks pretty soon. And there is no better feeling than going out and experiencing a workout with Eli and Peyton.ā
*Williams sat out spring practice after having hip surgery in January. He told the media he played the entire 2014 season with the injury and is feeling completely healthy for the first time in two seasons.
On being āCoach Marquiseā in the spring
āIt was good, but you know me, I want to be out there with the guys. But it was also good for me to sit back and relax, and learn more about the game. Knowing why Coach Fedora is calling this pass play against a certain coverage. Knowing why weāre going to run against a three technique or a shade. Knowing things in our offense has helped me out a lot.ā
A normal weekend for Marquise
āUsually if Iām not with my teammates, Iām with my English bulldog, Bella. Weāre at the dog park, but right now weāre taking swimming classes. Usually just having fun, hanging out with my teammates, or just hanging out with my dog. I thought she would be a lazy dog, thatās why I got her, but she has too much energy for me. Iām trying to get her to calm down a bit. She actually enjoys āThe Walking Deadā (Hit TV show on AMC about the zombie apocalypse). Normally when I throw a toy or something, sheāll go get it, but now she just sits right there watches āThe Walking Deadā like she knows whatās going on.ā
On how players police each other when theyāre out on the town
āWe take care of each other. If I see a teammate is in a situation with someone, Iāll go get that person. We canāt risk our future over someone who wants to take it, and there are a lot of people on Franklin Street who will try and take a UNC playersā future. We are aware of those (types) so when we go somewhere we are all together and we have each others back.ā
On why he is a different leader now
āIām different because you never know when your last play might be. Iām going to have fun playing this game. I never put myself before anybody. Thatās how I was brought up, to stay humble because it can be snatched away from you at any minute.ā
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