Interview: Lockdown Tennessee CB DJ Williams Improving Craft at Independence JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The world of college football has officially changed with the spread offense in vogue in every conference across the country. The use of four wide receivers on any given play has changed the formations seen on the other side of the ball forcing defenses to put four defensive backs into the mix that can cover like a corner on any given down. One Class of 2018 defensive back that has a history of being a lockdown defender on the outside and against the slot grabbing Division-I attention is DJ Williams.

Having a true cover corner has been an important part of football since the forward pass was put into play. While honing his skills at the high school level, Williams proved to be the definition of a cover corner picking off five passes during his senior season with Smyrna High School. Williams was more than just a ballhawk racking up 24 tackles, 20 solo, while knocking away four other failed pass attempts, he was a true gridiron athlete impacting the game in all three phases. His senior season against 6A Tennessee competition ended with 27 carries for 131 yards and one score, 21 receptions covering 139 yards, and two touchdowns, and he even completed 2-of-2 passing for 15 yards.

The speed and athleticism of Williams was further showcased on special teams taking 15 kickoffs back for 389 yards and 25 punts for 240 yards putting six up on the board twice. After helping the Bulldogs into the playoffs, Williams signed with Tennessee-Chattanooga out of high school redshirting during the 2016 season. A transfer before spring semester brought him to Independence Community College where he will help the Pirates form one of the top secondaries in the nation.

Recruiting attention to the town of Smyrna, population 43,000, was not intense for Williams. The 5-10, 185 pound, playmaker slid under the radar then, but all of that is quickly changing. After a standout spring session with Independence, Williams is seeing his recruiting stock rise with teams realizing he can impact their squad as a corner and nickel back as well as a punt and/or kick returner. Squads like Iowa State, Coastal Carolina, Alabama-Birmingham, Jacksonville State, and Arkansas State are showing interest with offers already placed in front of him from Southeast Missouri, Tennessee-Martin, and Southern Miss.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the fast-rising junior college cornerback/athletes in the nation getting an overview on his time with Tennessee-Chattanooga, his spring practices with Independence, and his recruiting attention to date.

Interview

DJ, how did your freshman season with UT-Chattanooga go?

“My time there was great. Coming out of high school I was not as strong. I got stronger, faster, and learned the game during my freshman year. I learned more about skill and talent and how to be a student of the game. I transferred because it was the best thing for me. My dream was to play D-I football. I’m following that dream.”

What were some of the challenges you faced going from high school ball to college level action?

“Honestly, my biggest thing in high school – I never really had to study. When I first got to the college level I was going out there and just playing, that was a mistake. Football is more than skill. You have to be in the playbook. That is one of my strengths now. I know where I am going and I know all the plays. I now play faster because I know the playbook.”

How did your spring practices with Independence go?

“It was good. I am coach by Jason Martin (defensive coordinator). He is one of the best. He places an emphasis on being a student of the game and having great technique. Coach (Paul) Holmes (cornerbacks coach) is the same. I feel like got better this spring and we got better as a team. I feel like we will be great this season and a team to watch out for in 2017.”

What areas of your game did you focus on improving during the spring?

“As mentioned, I focused more on being a student of the game. That was a big attribute I had to work on. I improved on that. It was never a physical attribute for me, but me knowing where I needed to be on the field. I worked a lot on my technique and my press man coverage. Before I got here, I would take false steps. My steps have improved. I can press a slot now. That was one thing I focused on this spring.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“At an Elite 3 camp in high school I ran a hand-held 4.4.”

Are you going to any camps this spring or summer?

“I plan on going to some this summer but I’m not sure which ones yet. Some coaches have contacted me asking me to attend. I do plan to make it to some camps.”

Did any colleges come by Indy to watch you this spring?

“I’ve never seen this many college coaches before. I talked to Colorado State, Central Florida, Southern Miss – they offered me after seeing me this spring, Arkansas State, and Toledo. That is all that I can think of right now.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Arkansas State, Iowa State, Jacksonville State, Coastal Carolina, and UAB (Alabama-Birmingham).”

Which schools have offered you?

“Southeast Missouri, UT-Martin, and Southern Miss.”

Southern Miss offered you on May 9. How did they notify you of the offer?

“Their D-line coach, Coach (Derek) Nicholson came to one of our practices. He liked the way I played. He showed my film to their head coach, Coach (Jay) Hopson. Then they offered me. Coach Hopson is a DB guy. He wanted to offer me after he watched film.”

What was that moment like for you knowing no matter what you have an opportunity to play Division-I football if you want?

“It was a blessing from God. All I have ever asked for is the opportunity. I believe it is up to us to capitalize on opportunities. I am humble about it. Things can change in a blink of an eye. I am very happy about it and feel blessed. I am thankful.”

What is your GPA?

“I’m not sure what it is. This semester I had an A and three B’s.”

What do you want to major in once at a four-year school?

“I want to major in Special Education.”

When your time comes to select a school, what will that special school have that will lead you to sign your letter of intent with that program?

“I want to feel like I can fit in with the players. I want to be able to be at a football school with a great atmosphere. I want to make an immediate impact when I get there.”

Last question. What do you love about playing football?

“Football, it is a blessing. I view playing football as playing for God. It is a gift he has given me. I bring the glory to him. Not everyone gets this gift or opportunity.”

DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Williams family; DJ Williams at Independence

Photo credit: Independence College; DJ Williams picks off a pass in practice