The State News caught up with MSU senior cornerback Demond Williams, who MSU head coach John L. Smith said has been emerging as a leader in spring football.

• On how he has changed …

"There's no secrets, just knowledge. I know the game a little more. I got more confidence. I think the first year was just an experience year, to get the feel of it. I feel like I learned a little bit … connect everything together."

• What's different about spring ball this season …

"We're teaching more. This is like a learning season. This is the time the coaches learn the plays, other than pulling stuff out on us. So definitely this is like a learning period for the guys. We are trying to pick up steam."

• Thoughts on the spring weather …

"I always treasure the sunshine. We don't get too many sunshine days here. But I'm not really doing much different."

• On his summer plans …

"I'm a full-time student. I'm trying to graduate a little early. I'll probably be working, getting my stuff together for football, trying to get my academics right and get ready for a good season."

• What he's working on …

"Right now, I'm just trying to get my back pedal to be very smooth and get the hustle on and get guys to follow me. And as a senior, I've got to step up to be a leader. I want my guys to work hard. If they look up to me, I want to work hard.

"Every program I've been with, you always end up in leadership. I feel like I will step up and do a great job."

• Who he looks up to on the team …

" … Kerry Reed, Drew Stanton, David Herron, a lot of the older guys I look up to — the ones that put their blood out there. They are just trying to bring on the tradition. They set the bar; they work hard. I see that in those guys. When you have guys like that, it's easy to follow."