Interview: 2020 SS/OLB Kourt Williams is a Rising Star to Watch for with St. John Bosco

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As one of the premiere high school football programs in the nation, St. John Bosco is always loaded with talent. When the 2018 season kicks off, there will be a lot of familiar names further cementing their spot among the elite players in the country, but there will also be a few rising talents that will make a name for themselves by season’s end. Class of 2020 outside linebacker/safety Kourt Williams is one of those guys to watch for in 2018.

Williams was a special teams starter for Bosco during the 2017 season getting valuable in-game reps throughout the year. His role as a jack-of-all-trades defender has taken off this spring showcasing his ability to disrupt the opposition’s passing attack while coming down any alley to stop the run. The 6-0, 203-pound, defender caught a lot of attention during the Braves Spring Showcase leading to four Pac-12 offers thus far: Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. That list will grow quickly before his 2018 campaign ends.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s emerging star defenders for an update on his offseason workouts, college camp circuit, and recruiting process.

Interview

Kourt, you played a hybrid role last season, part safety and part outside linebacker, kind of a rover, where all did you line up for the Braves last season and how would you define your role on the defense in 2017?

“Last season, I played that hybrid spot as you said. Our defensive coordinator had me play a Jack – more of an outside linebacker, blitz off the edge, and drop back into coverage role. On varsity, I started on kickoff, punt, and punt return. I played just about every position on JV.”

How did your overall game improve on defense last season?

“This offseason I focused on coverage, I struggled with that last season. I’m a good open-field tackler, I pride myself on that. As I learned more, the game slowed down. My IQ improved a lot last year. Coach King has a major part of that.”

Where all will you play on the field during your junior year?

“As of right now, I will play the Star position; that’s a hybrid spot. If I see pass I attack and if I see run I attack. We run the same defense as Alabama. I fill the role that Minkah Fitzpatrick had with Alabama. I have also been practicing some at safety.”

What have you been working on this offseason?

“I have been working a lot on my lateral movement, working on combine stuff – like my 40 and shuttle drills, and my hip movements as a DB.”

How did spring ball go for you and the Braves?

“It went really well. We went after it for about four to five weeks. We did a lot of our installs then. I studied a lot of film to catch on quickly to all our schemes. I did well at our spring showcase. Coach King is relying on me as an on the field captain. I did really well this spring. I am always working to get better.”

Did you get a chance to go to any camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to a lot of camps. I went to the USC Rising Stars Camp, the USC Elite Camp, a Redlands satellite camp, an Arizona State camp at Whittier, and Utah and Colorado at Chapman.”

Wow. That is a lot. How did the USC camps go?

“The Rising Stars Camp, there were about 1,000 players there. I got some reps and learned some new techniques from their defensive backs coach. A lot of my teammates were there, we did well. I balled out and won my 7v7 reps.

“The Elite one was better. There were about 50 to 60 players there for an invite only camp. That was just with the USC coaches, no other colleges were there. We had meetings with Coach (Ronnie) Bradford (defensive backs) then went on the field. We did what the USC players do. We did their drills, coverages, and one-on-ones. With less players, it was easier to grasp what they were teaching and work on the technique.”

How did the Utah and Colorado camp go?

“There were about 200 players there, I went with some of my teammates. We did combine stuff. They clocked me at a 4.5. My broad jump was 10 feet; I had one of the best jumps at that camp. My shuttle was timed at a 4-flat; I was happy with that time. We did one-on-ones there. I played some corner at that camp guarding outside receivers, tight ends, and slots. I won all my reps at that camp. I went home with two offers, from Utah and Colorado. That was a blessing that was great.”

That certainly qualifies as a great camp. Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Which other schools are showing recruiting interest?

“USC is showing a lot of interest, Washington State, Illinois, UCLA, Alabama’s defensive coordinator is following me on Twitter, and some of Washington’s staff is following me on Twitter.”

You mentioned the Utah and Colorado offers, what other offers do you have?

“I also have offers from Arizona State and Oregon.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have visited USC. We toured the campus when we were there for the camp.”

Do you any planned visits upcoming?

“I may visit Alabama in the fall. I’ve been invited to visit, along with Beaux Collins (receiver) and DJ Uiagalelei (quarterback), for Bama’s game against Texas A&M.”

That’ll be a good one. We talked about spring ball, how are the summer workouts going with Braves?

“Right now, we are starting our third week of summer ball. We are in the weight room every day. Our offense and defense is solid. Our defensive line is all returning. Our backers are returning, all our corners expect one is returning. We have a lot of talent coming back. We are working hard. As time goes on, our chemistry is getting better. We are communicating better.”

What is your focus with your technique and workouts for the rest of the summer?

“I am always trying to improve my game IQ. I am thinking about how to help Bosco win a state and national championship.”

What goals have you set for yourself during the 2018 season?

“I have set my goals in portions. I want five tackles per quarter. I want to lead my team, and be a team leader in stats. If I stay focused all of that will come.”

Is there a 2018 game you are already hyped to play?

“Of course, Mater Dei. We are always hyped to play them. Every game is important, but that Mater Dei game is always hyped. That’s the big one.”

Kourt, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Williams family; No. 27 Kourt Williams in action.