Dan Williams visiting Chargers today

Highly-regarded University of Tennessee defensive lineman Dan Williams begins his visit today with the San Diego Chargers.

And his itinerary this week also includes a visit with the New England Patriots.

The 6-foot-2, 327-pounder is in heavy demand after strong performances at the Senior Bowl week and NFL scouting combine.

The three-year starter ran the 40-yard dash in 5.19 seconds, bench pressed 225 pounds 27 times and registered a 32-inch vertical leap at the combine.

For his career, the all-time Southeastern Conference selection registered 126 tackles, 25 for losses and seven sacks.

Williams discussed the draft process Sunday night in a telephone interview with National Football Post.

"I've been enjoying the draft process," Williams said. "Every minute of it. It's kind of slowed down a little bit since my Pro Day and the Senior Bowl. I'm working out and staying in shape. I think all of the interview opportunities have given me a chance to show them what type of person I am ouside of football.

"It definitely is a big job interview. In those interviews at the combine, I made sure I made them the best possible 15 minutes to make sure I impressed. Every day, I told myself, 'They're going to get to know the true Dan Williams.' You want to leave a very good impression."

Among the more memorable interviews Williams conducted at the scouting combine were with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Cleveland Browns defensive line coach Brian Cox, Patriots defensive line coach Pepper Johnson as well as the Houston Texans, Chargers and Minnesota Vikings.

"It was very exciting," Williams said. "All of the meetings were great."

Williams has a low-key personality, but he didn't hesitate to label himself as the top defensive tackle prospect.

"I'm not a person who brags, but I look at it that whoever drafts me will get the best defensive tackle," Williams said. "That's as cocky as I get. I'm a very humble person."

Williams is looking forward to attending the draft in New York after accepting an invitation from the league.

"Man, that's crazy," he said. "It's actually happening. It shows hard work and dedication will pay off sooner or later. I wasn't publicized much, so the only thing I could control was playing football. Right now, I'm enjoying everything that's happening for me and just looking forward to the draft."

Most of the 3-4 teams regard Williams as a prototypical nose guard, but he feels confident that he could thrive in a 4-3 defense as well.

"I think I fit in with both defenses,"Williams siad. "I played both when I was in school. I enjoy playing a three-technique or a nose or a one-technique defensive tackle. I just want to play football. It doesn't matter what kind of scheme a team runs. I just want to play the game."

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