Williams Happy in New Defense

Free safety Shaun Williams loves UCLA’s new defense, mostly because he likes to hit people.

“It’s a very unsettling defense,” he said. “Everything is disguised. We are flying to the ball. In my case, I’m covering [receivers], blitzing, I line up everywhere.

“Last year, our defense was more passive. . . . This year, we’re more aggressive, more involved.”

To play the new defense, Williams, from Encino Crespi High, has put on 10 pounds, to 205, and gotten a little faster. And he’s thinking ahead.

“We’ve got to get ready for Tennessee, ready for [quarterback] Peyton Manning,” Williams said of the Bruins’ Sept. 7 opener. “He’s great, the best, and that’s why I’m here, to play the best.”

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Defensive end Travis Kirschke practiced despite an injured hamstring. Jason Nevadomsky, the other starting defensive end, may have a more serious problem. He has a history of shoulder separations and his shoulder popped out three times during Monday morning’s practice. A third defensive end, Damon Smith, has a bruised leg and will miss another week of practice.