2018 JUCO All American DB DJ Williams Talks Signing and Commitment with Utah State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
An amazing high school and junior college football career came to an official end on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, when Dorian “DJ” Williams signed with Utah State. Williams began his career as a do-everything athlete in Tennessee showcasing his raw talent and abilities at Smyrna High School before the long and winding road took him from Tennessee-Chattanooga to Independence Community College. Once with the Pirates, Williams transformed his raw talents, 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, and strength into a JUCO All-American. With new verses to his story yet to be written, Williams now has a chance to become an All-American yet again but this time with the Aggies.
Williams saved his best for last coming up with 56 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss, one forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three broken up passes during the 2017 season. The Pirates ended the year 9-2, 6-1, with a 30-20 bowl win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Postseason honors has already included two first team All-American listings for Williams, one from Gridiron.com and the other from the NJCAA, the governing body of junior college football for Kansas, Texas, and Mississippi teams.
Off the field, teams from all over the country had finally found Williams and fallen in love with the 5-10, 185 pound, defender. By the time of his commitment on Monday, Dec. 18, 18 teams had offered Williams. Three teams had popped out to an early lead hosting Williams on official visits; Buffalo, NIU, and Utah State.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Williams just after he signed and faxed in his National Letter of Intent to Utah State getting the inside scoop on his decision to play for the Aggies at the Division-I level.
Interview
DJ, congratulations on your commitment to Utah State and Independence 30-20 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in the bowl game.
“Thank you.”
Before we get into the details of your commitment, let’s set the stage. Which programs came by Independence over the last few weeks to meet with you in person?
“Toledo, Miami (Ohio), Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Hawaii, and Southern Miss, there were a lot of schools that came by that I cannot think of now.”
Which schools did you officially visits?
“Buffalo, NIU, and Utah State.”
When you were taking your visits, what did you look for from the program and university?
“I was mostly looking at the people there, the players, and the system. I was lucky to see games or practices during my visits. I was able to watch the defenses to see how I would fit in with their schemes.”
How did you narrow your list of top schools to Utah State?
“I prayed a lot. I asked God to show me signs. I had a feeling Utah State was my school. When I visited, I knew that was the one for me.”
How does it feel to be committed?
“It feels good. I am a part of another team, I am part of another brotherhood. At Independence, they took me in and made me feel part of the family. It feels good to be a part of another team. I am part of a new brotherhood. Now it is time to get to work.”
How did the commitment take place?
“When the coaches came to my house for an in-home visit on Wednesday, I loved everything they were telling me about their program. I wanted to see the school. I got there on Friday for my official. On Sunday, we had an exit meeting and I told them I was all in 100 percent.”
Who did you commit to?
“Utah State’s head coach, defensive backs coach, and their defensive coordinator.”
What was the reaction of the coaches when you verbally committed to them?
“They were happy, laughing, and clapping. It was my mom and I in their office, we talked for another 30 to 45 minutes after my commitment. It was a blessing.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“I was excited, it was emotional too. When I did it, I thought about all that I had to go through to get here. You do the work and wonder why certain things happen, and then when something like this happens you know why. It was a blessing and an emotional time.”
Is there a sense of relief, that your recruiting process is over?
“Yeah. It feels good knowing you have your school… the recruiting process, not everyone will be happy. Only one school will be happy. It is all over and now I have to get ready to get to work in January.”
When do you report?
“On Jan. 7.”
Last question. Did you do anything to celebrate your commitment?
“I will be with my family and friends today, everyone that has helped me through the process.”
DJ, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Utah State.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Williams family; DJ Williams at Utah State