Interview: 2018 Kansas CB DJ Williams Shutting Down JUCO Competition

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Fans for Independence Community College football can easily spot Dorian “DJ” Williams on the field come any given Saturday. The quickest way to find him is on the side of the field where the opposing quarterback refuses to go. There, all alone, wishing a quarterback would test him, sits Pirate No. 1 with a well-deserved reputation as an excellent cover corner.

The redshirt sophomore has always been one of the best on the field anytime his team plays. During his senior season with Smyrna, the do-everything talent carried the rock 27 times for 131 yards with one touchdown and hauled in 21 passes for 129 yards going into the end zone two more times. His calling card on defense included 24 tackles, 20 solo, five picks, four passes defended, and one forced fumble. Williams’ speed and athleticism shinned on special teams taking 25 punts back for 240 yards and 15 kicks rapidly the other way for 389 more all-purpose yards.

Out of high school, Williams signed with Tennessee-Chattanooga transferring out of the program before the spring semester. The change in schools have started a new round of recruiting interest with Arkansas State, Central Florida, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Iowa State, among others, taking a closer look. The December grad, has pulled in offers from Nevada, Northern Illinois, Tennessee State, Southeast Missouri State, and Southern Miss with each hoping to sway him to their roster for next season.

As the 2017 season gets deeper into the schedule, more college scouts are sure to pick up on Williams’ skillset. The 5-10, 185 pound, play-maker with 4.4 speed has 18 tackles with five pass breakups, and one tackle for a loss in stats posted through three games. In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Williams to learn more about his sophomore season and about the schools recruiting him.

Interview

DJ, Indy started off with a tough loss to Iowa Western but then rebounded for big wins against Fort Scott (30-16) and Garden City (27-23), what changed on the field and in the locker room allowing the team to get back on the winning track?

“Our loss was a humbling situation. Before the Iowa Western game, we thought we were better than what we really were. We corrected the mistakes we were making after watching film. We learned from that and keep progressing every day.”

What are the Pirates doing well as a defensive unit on the field?

“Each player has been doing their assignment. That goes a long way with team football. Everyone being on the same page is great.”

How has your season started out so far?

“I’ve played well but I want to keep progressing. I want to keep getting better. I want to reach my full potential.”

What are you doing better on the field this year over last season?

“My stamina has improved. I don’t get tired in the games. I have been more technique driven this year. I am taking what I have learned from practice and putting that into the game.”

Of the three games played, have you gone up against a tough receiver that has helped improve your game, and, if so, walk me through that match-up?

“I can honestly say that I have gone up against guys better in practice. We have some big-time players on our team at receiver. Calvin Jackson (Washington State), Carlos Thompson, he is a bounce back from Texas Tech, and Sean Carter are making me better every day. No one I have guarded in a game has been better than the guys on my team. I get good work at practice.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?

“Off the top of my head, San Diego State, Toledo, Coastal Carolina, and Washington State.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“We have a bye week on Oct. 21. I might take an official to Nevada that weekend for the game against Air Force. I know I will visit them for sure. I will visit Northern Illinois too. They’re not set visits but if I had to pick today, I would visit Nevada, Northern Illinois, Southern Miss, and Tennessee State.”

When you start taking various visits, what will be some of the things you are looking for during each visit? What are some of the important factors that will influence your final decision?

“I want to go into a great football atmosphere and a place where the community around there loves football. I want to feel at home with the players and fit into the scheme.”

How is everything going in the classroom this semester?

“Very good. I just won the Male Student of the Month. The award ceremony is today (Monday).”

That is fantastic. Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Last question. On the rare occasion you get some downtime, what are you doing for fun?

“I am watching a lot of film and I am watching a lot of college football to see what I need to improve upon and see what they are doing. I’ve been working on improving my game off the field.”

DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Indy Pirates; No. 1 DJ Williams pregame warmups (2017)

Photo credit: Indy Pirates: No. 1 DJ Williams (left) with Emmit Gooden (right)

Photo credit: Williams family; DJ Williams Male Student of the Month Award