Leonard Williams injury: USC Trojans’ DL leaves Stanford game with injury

Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates after tackling against the Fresno State Bulldogs running back Dontel James (21) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Fresno State 52-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates after tackling against the Fresno State Bulldogs running back Dontel James (21) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Fresno State 52-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The health of USC Trojans defensive lineman Leonard Williams was one of the biggest story lines leading up to Saturday’s marquee game against the Stanford Cardinal after rolling an ankle in practice.

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Reports circulated prior to kickoff that Williams may be held out of action where his individual matchup against Stanford left tackle Andrus Peat is a battle between potential top-five picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.

However, Williams allayed those fears by suiting up and starting for the Trojans, but he doesn’t look close to 100 percent.

Williams is clearly favoring that ankle and not moving very well and that could be the difference in the game as Stanford has one of the more physical offensive lines in the country and loves to run the ball down the opponent’s throat.

A healthy Williams is capable of dominating any offensive lineman in the country. He is the best defensive lineman in the country. But if Williams is playing on one leg, his athleticism, power and speed is neutralized, especially against a player like Peat.

The game is in the opening minutes with Stanford on offense and Williams already had to come off the field to get treatment on the ailing ankle.

Stay tuned to FanSided.com all day long to stay current on the latest developments regarding the health of Williams and the happenings around the world of college football, including the latest scores, news, injury updates, videos and gif’s.

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