Jonah Williams to Play Key Alabama Role in 2019 CFP National Championship

SAN JOSE -- When Jonah Williams walks into an In-N-Out Burger, he means business.

The Folsom native is back in California for the first time in two and a half years with his Crimson Tide playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Levi's Stadium on Monday, and the 6-foot-5, 301-pound offensive lineman put down quite the meal Friday night. 

"4x4 (burger with four beef patties and four slices of chees), two Flying Dutchmen (two beef patties each with cheese in the middle, no buns), animal style fries (fries with melted cheese, grilled onions and secret spread sauce), and a neapolitan shake," Williams said at media day Saturday at SAP Center when revealing his massive order.

Perhaps the 4x4 is an ode to Alabama's fourth clash with Clemson in the playoffs. Three of those games have been for the title, the same number of championship games in which Williams has played. 

"I fully trust that he's gonna help us win another one," Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said about Williams.

Williams is in charge of protecting the Crimson Tide's prized possession -- keeping Tagovailoa upright against the vaunted Tigers defensive line, which leads the country in sacks. It's clear there's nobody else the quarterback trusts more. 

"To have someone like him blocking on my left side at tackle, I mean I have the utmost trust in him," Tagovailoa said. "He's played in national championships, too. He has experience, he knows what he's doing." 

[RELATED: Najee Harris looks to lead Alabama in 2019 CFP National Championship]

The 2018 All-American has started on Alabama's offensive line since he was a freshman. It all goes back to Folsom, where Williams played for one of the best high school football programs not only in California but the entire country. 

"My parents from Day 1 have always supported me and been the best support system I could ask for," Williams told NBC Sports Bay Area. "And then my coaches at Folsom really coaching me up and putting me in a position to make it to college and start as a freshman.

"That type of thing doesn't start in college, it starts well before then." 

Williams is considered a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. While the spotlight won't be on him, he easily could be the most important player on the field for Alabama to repeat as champions.

And in what will be his final game in college, his parents, his high school coach and many others will get to watch him play two hours away from where he first became a star. 

"It means everything," Williams said. "That's the support system, that's the only reason I'm here. It really does take a village, and these are the people who have always been there for me since the beginning.

"I think it's a great way to cap it off, and I'm really excited about the opportunity."

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